From Positive Reinforcement to Positive Behaviors: An Everyday Guide for the Practitioner

There are various opinions concerning the value of positive reinforcement when discussing modifying behaviors of young children. In some cases, individuals considered positive reinforcement difficult to implement and, in extreme cases, even felt it to be detrimental. Educators often use praise interchangeably with positive reinforcement when indeed an important distinction exists between the two. This paper discusses the differences between positive reinforcement and praise and demonstrates how to effectively apply positive reinforcement to help manage behavior of young children.