• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Discovery Isle
  • About Us
    • Health & Safety
    • Locations
    • Blog
  • Preschool
    • Overview
    • Our Curriculum
    • Family Communication
    • Infants
    • Toddlers
    • Beginners (2-3 yrs)
    • Intermediates (3-4 yrs)
    • Pre-K
  • Camp & After School
    • Summer Camp
    • Before & After School
Contact Us
 
  • About Us
    • Health & Safety
    • Locations
    • Blog
  • Preschool
    • Overview
    • Our Curriculum
    • Family Communication
    • Infants
    • Toddlers
    • Beginners (2-3 yrs)
    • Intermediates (3-4 yrs)
    • Pre-K
  • Camp & After School
    • Summer Camp
    • Before & After School
Contact Us
Home / Blog / Positive Reinforcement 10...

Positive Reinforcement 101: Answers to Some of Your FAQs 

April 1, 2019
Social-Emotional Learning

Reinforcement is a great way to reward your child for good behavior. When rewards follow desired behavior, they can help boost your child’s self-esteem and character development, and increase the likelihood the behavior will be repeated.  

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to positive reinforcement.

What types of reinforcers are there? 
  • Direct: These reinforcers occur naturally. For example, your child will get invited to more play dates if he interacts appropriately with friends. 
  • Social: Express praise in a group setting. While your child is playing well with a sibling say, “Great job sharing your toy with your sister. She’s so happy!”
  • Activity: Allow your child to engage in a preferred activity, such as playing at the park or coloring a picture. 
  • Tangible: Provide toys, trinkets, trophies or awards to your child. 
  • Tokens or points: These have little value in themselves, but your child can exchange them for something valuable. 
How do I choose a reinforcer?

Reinforcers should be age-appropriate. Watch and listen to see what motivates your child. What activities do they like? Who do they enjoy playing with? Monitor him to see if a reinforcer is working or if a new one is necessary.

How can I be successful at positive reinforcement?
  • Be specific in acknowledging the exact behavior that you’d like to see be repeated. For example, “I’m so proud of you for putting your blocks in the bin on the shelf. You did such a great job!”
  • Deliver reinforcement immediately following the positive behavior. If you wait until the end of the day, the effect of reinforcement is reduced. 
  • Recognize and praise all improvements. Don’t wait until your child’s behavior is perfect before delivering reinforcement. 
Aren’t I bribing my child by giving positive reinforcement?

No. A bribe influences a behavior before it happens (i.e., when you give your child a toy first and then he promises to behave). Reinforcers are provided after your child engages in the appropriate behavior. Reinforcers are planned and systematic and are given to elicit a change in behavior long-term.

Back

Related Articles

Featured Image for Countdown to Kindergarten: Tips to Ensure Your Child is Ready

Countdown to Kindergarten: Tips to Ensure Your Child is Ready

February 21, 2025
Language & Literacy
Math & Science
Parent Resources
Social-Emotional Learning
Featured Image for 5 Books to Read With Children in Honor of Black History Month

5 Books to Read With Children in Honor of Black History Month

January 28, 2025
Diversity & Belonging
Language & Literacy
Social-Emotional Learning
Featured Image for Cuddly Guardians: Understanding the Role of Security Objects in Child Development

Cuddly Guardians: Understanding the Role of Security Objects in Child Development

January 13, 2025
Social-Emotional Learning

Become Part of Our School Community

Learn more about how we partner with families during this journey.

 

Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Employer Partnerships
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • CA Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

©2025 All Rights Reserved Spring Education Group

Spring Education Group is controlled by Primavera Holdings Limited, an investment firm (together with its affiliates) principally based in Hong Kong with operations in China, Singapore, and the United States, that is itself owned by Chinese persons residing in Hong Kong.

Follow Us:
youtube facebook instagram
Contact Us