How to Talk So Kids Can Learn - Reading Together - Seven Skills That Invite Kids to Cooperate

ENGAGING COOPERATION
At Home and in School

Instead of questioning and criticizing, you can:

1. DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM.
“I see wet paint all over the floor.”

2. GIVE INFORMATION.
“It’s easier to remove paint before it dries.”

3. OFFER A CHOICE.
“You can clean it up with a wet rag or a damp sponge.”

4. SAY IT WITH A WORD OR GESTURE.
“The paint!”

5. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU FEEL.
“I don’t like seeing the floor splattered with paint.”

6. PUT IT IN WRITING.
ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS: Kindly restore floor to original condition before leaving the room. Thank you, The Management

7. BE PLAYFUL (USE ANOTHER VOICE OR ACCENT).
In country-and-western style sing: Ah see paint thar on the floor, An’ it’s a sight ah do deplore. Git out your mop an’ rags galore, An’ help to do this little chore.

(locations 742-759, Kindle Edition)

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