Redirecting Behavior: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators

Redirecting behavior is a classroom management technique that shifts a child's focus from a challenging behavior to a more positive one. It interrupts disruptive actions, helps children calm down, and avoids further conflict—without relying on punishment. For early childhood educators, redirecting behavior is one of the most practical tools available for managing a classroom and supporting children's emotional development.

Young children may display challenging behaviors like tantrums or not following directions when they're upset or don't know how to express their feelings. Teachers and caregivers play a vital role in helping children learn to manage their big emotions and impulses.

While it may take time and patience to use this technique effectively, redirecting behavior is a valuable skill for all early childhood educators to develop.

What is redirecting behavior?

Redirecting behavior is a technique that involves changing a child's focus from a challenging behavior to a more positive one. It interrupts a child's disruptive actions and helps to calm them down, avoiding further conflict.

With redirection, the teacher remains in control, but the child also feels a sense of agency. This helps the child feel more secure, making them less likely to continue the negative behavior.

Redirecting behavior can be used when a child engages in behavior that is:

• Inappropriate
• Harmful
• Disruptive
• Unsafe
• Destructive

Redirecting will look different based on the situation and the child's age. However, it always acknowledges the child's feelings, provides choices, and helps them find a more constructive way to express themselves.

How to redirect children's behavior

Redirecting behavior involves de-escalating a tense moment and teaching a child how to cope more positively. If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath and try to see the situation from the child's perspective. This will help you respond in a constructive way.

By redirecting, teachers can minimize disruptions and promote a positive learning environment. Try the strategies below to help redirect children from challenging behaviors.

Give them a choice

Offering a choice provides children with a sense of value and helps build their confidence. For example, instead of saying, "Don't hit your friend," you could say, "Do you want to hit this pillow or roar like a lion into this stuffed animal?"

Ignore the behavior

Use a distraction

If you can't ignore the behavior, distract the child with something else. For example, if a child is having a tantrum, try offering them a toy or a different activity. If a child is shouting, lower your voice and gently ask them what the problem is. 

Redirect their energy

If a child is acting out because they have too much energy, guide it into positive activities. For example, if they are running inside, you might say, "It looks like you have a lot of energy! Let's go outside and see how fast you can run."

Offer a hug

Sometimes, a child just needs physical affection to feel better. If they are acting out of anger or frustration, a hug can help calm them down and show them you are there for them. 

Set clear expectations

If children don't know what is expected of them, they are more likely to misbehave. Set clear expectations from the start and follow through consistently. This helps them learn the consequences of not following the rules. 

Use positive reinforcement

When a child exhibits good behavior, reinforce it with praise, rewards, or privileges. Positive reinforcement encourages actions like sharing or following directions.

Avoid power struggles

Arguing with a child is usually unproductive and often escalates a situation. If a child is misbehaving to gain control, engaging in a power struggle only gives them what they want. Remain calm and avoid getting into a shouting match.

Don't take it personally

Remember that challenging behavior is not a personal attack. The child is still learning how to manage their emotions and navigate their feelings, not trying to spite you.

What are the different types of redirection?

There are four main types of redirecting behavior that teachers and caregivers can use to keep children safe and focused.

Verbal redirection

Use your words to change the child's focus. If your child is about to touch something hot, you might say, "No, that's hot. Let's play with these cool blocks instead."

Physical redirection

This is used when verbal attempts don't work. With this method, you physically guide the child away from the problem behavior and toward a positive one. For example, if a child is hitting another child, you might take their hand and lead them to a different activity.

Redirection with a cue 

This technique uses a visual or auditory cue to get the child's attention. For example, if you see a child about to run into the street, you might say, "Stop!" or use a hand signal to get their attention.

Redirection by pointing out a positive model

This method involves drawing a child’s attention to a positive example of behavior nearby. For example, if a child is throwing toys, a teacher might point out another child playing quietly and appropriately, saying, "Look how nicely Sam is building with the blocks."

Choosing the right type: Verbal redirection works best as a first response for most minor disruptions. Physical redirection is better suited for situations where a child's safety is at risk and verbal cues haven't worked. Redirection with a cue is most effective in high-energy or fast-moving situations, while pointing out a positive model works well when a child responds to social comparison and peer modeling.

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What are the pros and cons of redirecting behavior?

Redirecting behavior is a widely used classroom management technique, but it's important to understand both its advantages and limitations before relying on it exclusively.

Pros of redirecting behavior:

• Prevents escalation: Redirecting a behavior early on can prevent it from escalating into something more difficult to manage.
• Avoids embarrassment: This technique can be used in public without embarrassing the child, unlike scolding or time-outs.
• Provides a teaching moment: Redirecting models a more appropriate way to behave, which is often more effective than simply telling a child what not to do.
• Is not a punishment: Correcting behavior through redirection is a positive approach that encourages appropriate actions rather than punishing negative ones.

Cons of redirecting behavior:

• Doesn't address the root cause: Redirection may not address the underlying emotions causing the behavior, like frustration or anxiety.
• Can be difficult in the moment: It requires patience and practice to redirect a child's behavior effectively in the heat of the moment.
• May be confusing for the child: If a child isn't used to this technique, they may not understand why their behavior is being redirected, leading to frustration.
• Doesn't always work: Some children may not respond to this technique. In these cases, other behavior management strategies should be considered.

With a tool like brightwheel's classroom management feature, your teachers can message families directly and share classroom highlights and milestones instantly. This allows your staff to build positive relationships with families and easily track observations about children's progress.

Examples of redirecting behavior in your childcare program

Here are some examples of how teachers and families can use redirection to reinforce positive behavior.

Verbal redirection examples

Here are some examples of statements to verbally redirect a challenging behavior:

• “I see you're feeling frustrated. Let's take a break and come back to this in a few minutes.”
• “It looks like you're having trouble staying in your seat. Why don't we try a quick walk around the room before sitting down again?”
• “Throwing toys is not safe. Let’s go outside and throw a ball instead.”
• “Let’s use our inside voices to answer the question.”

Physical redirection examples

Here are day-to-day examples of how you might redirect a child's behavior physically by offering an alternative:

• If a child is running, you might say, “Let's use our walking feet inside,” and then take their hand to help them walk.
• If a child is hitting a toy, you might say, “Let’s use gentle hands,” and then demonstrate how to play with the toy gently.
• If a child is biting, you might say, “Teeth are not for biting friends. If you need to bite, you can bite this chewy toy instead," and offer them a teething ring.
• If a child is climbing on furniture, you might say, “It's not safe to climb on furniture. Let’s go outside and climb on the playground.”

Redirecting behavior is part of classroom management

Effective preschool behavior management strategies help create a harmonious learning atmosphere. In addition to redirecting behavior, here are key strategies to use:

Establish clear rules and routines

Children need to know what is expected of them to behave appropriately. Therefore, be clear and concise when communicating expectations to avoid confusion.

Having a set routine lets children know what comes next throughout the day. A good routine helps reduce disruptive behavior because children feel more comfortable and secure when they know what to expect. A classroom jobs chart is also a great way to give children a visual aid of their tasks and promote responsibility.

Model appropriate behavior 

Children learn best by observing and imitating the adults in their lives. Teachers can model appropriate behavior by speaking politely, using indoor voices, and walking in line.

Use logical consequences 

Logical consequences are directly related to the child's behavior. For example, if a child makes a mess, they help clean it up. This teaches children about cause and effect.

Practice proactive planning 

Proactive planning helps teachers prepare for potential problems before they occur. This includes having a plan for dealing with common disruptive behaviors, such as talking out of turn or not paying attention, so you can respond quickly and effectively before a behavior escalates.

Planning also prevents problem behavior from occurring in the first place—by changing the environment, providing engaging and challenging activities, or giving clear instructions.

Encourage classroom involvement 

When all class members, including the teacher and the children, actively engage in learning, there is less disruptive behavior. Plan exciting and engaging lessons, and provide opportunities for all children to participate.

Engage with families

Establishing a positive, trusting relationship with families can be beneficial when dealing with challenging behavior. Communicate your strategies with families so they can provide consistent expectations at home.

Classroom Job Chart

A free, printable template for creating a preschool classroom job chart.

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Frequently asked questions about redirecting behavior

Q: At what age can you start using redirecting behavior techniques?
A: Redirecting behavior can be used with children as young as one year old. The techniques will vary based on developmental stage—younger toddlers respond best to physical redirection and distraction, while older preschoolers can understand verbal redirection and choices more readily.

Q: How is redirecting behavior different from ignoring bad behavior?
A: Redirecting behavior actively guides a child toward a more appropriate action, while ignoring focuses on not reinforcing attention-seeking behaviors. Redirection is generally better suited for unsafe or disruptive behaviors that need to stop immediately, while ignoring works best for minor misbehaviors where attention is the trigger.

Q: What should I do if redirecting behavior isn't working for a child?
A: If redirecting behavior consistently doesn't work for a particular child, it may indicate a deeper emotional or developmental need. Consider consulting with a child development specialist, involving families in a shared behavior plan, or exploring other evidence-based behavior management strategies alongside redirection.

Q: How do I explain redirecting behavior techniques to families?
A: When explaining redirection to families, start with its purpose: it's a positive way to guide children toward better behavior. Use simple examples, like offering a new toy if a child grabs something unsafe. Encourage families to use the same strategies at home for consistency, as this helps children feel secure. By keeping communication open, you can create a united approach that supports the child's development.

Q: Are redirection techniques different for children with developmental delays?
A: Redirection for children with developmental delays often requires breaking down instructions into smaller, manageable steps. Be consistent, use simple language, and offer positive feedback immediately after the desired behavior. Visual supports and frequent practice can help reinforce these strategies.

Final thoughts 

Redirecting challenging behavior helps children learn to manage their emotions, develop coping skills, and build positive relationships. With patience and creativity, you can use redirection to turn challenging behaviors into positive learning opportunities and help children become more successful in your childcare program and in life.