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(Unit 3) Topic 3: Reinforcement and Redirection:
A Positive Approach

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Topic 3 Page 2

Positive reinforcement describes anything that occurs directly after a behavior and increases the likelihood of that behavior repeating itself. In its simplest form, this means that if you ask a child to pick up their toys and then give them a high five when they are finished, you just used positive reinforcement.

This method of shaping behavior can be used by both parents and child care professionals.

The goal for positive reinforcement is to help create an intrinsic desire for the child’s good behaviors. In other words, we want the child to see the joy in good behavior instead of fear of punishment for misbehaving.

Positive reinforcement can present in many forms including praise, tangible items, tokens, attention from adults, and special privileges or activities. Using positive reinforcement in the classroom can help to increase desired behaviors and promote a productive classroom environment.