How do you make rules in your Kids Club?

Do the leaders write them, or do the children?

Why not try sitting down together, leaders and children, at the start of the year and working out the rules together. Using this method there is more ownership of the rules by the children, and you may even find that the children will regulate each others behaviour according to what they know are the rules and appropriate boundaries.

• Work with the children to write the rules, this way you will all have ownership of the rules
• Phrase all rules, in positive ways. For example: Instead of 'DON'T SHOUT' have the rule as 'Listen to each other'
• Leaders must model behaviour that they want the children to use - no shouting, no raised voices, respect the children. If you find that you are having to shout to be heard, then employ a learning style like the Girl Guides use -raise your hand when you want silence and wait for the children to follow your example. It is simple but effective.
• Understand about behavioural management - if you are having trouble with a child, talk with the parent/guardian, what are techniques that they use at home, what works best. Learn about the children in your care.
• Article on ADHD
• When explaining a craft activity to the children, do this in an area where they will not be tempted to play with the components of the activity. Explain it concisely, and also have written instructions, that way rather then interrupt you, they can read what they are next to do if they forget.
• Keep activities to small manageable units and make sure there are breaks
• Be consistent
• Have routines, so the children know what to expect
• Have play time, remember that (in most cases) the children have been at school all day in an environment where they are expected at all times to follow set behaviour. They are children, let them have some relaxing fun time.
• It is really important that the activities that you are running are appropriate for the age of the children that you are teaching. Perhaps take some time to understand development stages, for more information on this contact Teresa: children@nsw.uca.org.au