Program content for the 50 minute Play Nicely program has partly been derived from material from three organizations: the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Input has been obtained from dozens of experts in the areas of pediatrics, child psychology and early child education. Due to their "front-line" experience, the author has given particularly strong weight to input from experienced teachers.
To teach the basics in managing hurtful behavior, Play Nicely consists of narration and over 10 video clips. Here is a summary of the content:
- Separate introductions and narration for different learners.
- Definition of hurtful behavior/aggression.
- Why managing hurtful behavior in the early years is important.
- Five major teaching points with video clips to enhance learning.
* Teach children not to be a victim
* Learn alternatives to respond to hurtful behavior. As part of the second teaching point, learners have 16 different interactive options to respond to a child with hurtful behavior and receive multimedia feedback. Watch a caregiver set the rule, redirect, and promote empathy. The program stresses that caregivers are role models and teaches why there are better responses to hurtful behavior than spanking, speaking angrily, or ignoring the behavior. With a review of 16 strategies, participants build a large cognitive database that will help them to choose an appropriate option to respond to a child with hurtful behavior.
* Decrease exposure to violence
* Show Love
* Be consistent. Emphasis on consistency and speaking with all family members who care for the child.
5. Warning signs - when to seek professional help.
6. Supplemental material - for use in educational settings
* Educational Handout
* Knowledge Assessment Tool
