EP 52: Breaking the Behavior Chart Cycle with Megg Thompson

The Play Based Learning Podcast

Today I am chatting with Megg Thompson, a neuro-affirming behavior consultant that uses LOVE-based strategies to help kids be their absolute best! In this episode we talk about doing away with behavior charts, stickers, rewards, and more. Tune in to find out what we can do differently!

Key Takeaways:

1. Behavior Charts and External Motivation: Megg and Kristen emphasize that behavior charts, stickers, tokens, and other external motivators diminish internal motivation in children. These strategies may seem effective in the short term but can lead to long-term issues and undermine true learning and motivation.
2. Developmental Appropriateness: They highlight that traditional behavior management techniques are often not developmentally appropriate for all children. While some may respond positively, others may experience increased anxiety, perfectionism, or depression, leading to adverse effects on their well-being.
3. Play-Based Solutions: Both Kristen and Megg advocate for play-based approaches to behavior and social-emotional learning. They argue that allowing children to engage in unstructured play fosters natural social skill development and reduces the need for coercive behavior management tactics.
4. Importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Kristen and Megg stress the significance of social and emotional learning in early childhood education. They emphasize that educators should prioritize fostering social skills and emotional regulation over traditional academic instruction.

Are you someone who uses or questions the use of behavior charts and other behavior management strategies and want to know what to do differently? This podcast is for you!

Find Kristen here: @kristen.rb.peterson or at KristenRBPeterson.com

Find Megg here: @meggthompson or at meggthompson.com

Check out Megg’s Masterclass and get 50% off with code: HALFOFF