F3.3 Skinner's Behaviourist Theory (Social Behaviour)

What is behaviourism?

Explaining how children behave and how they learn behaviours (e.g. turn-taking, sharing → foundation of friendships).

• Explains how children learn social norms and behaviours such as sharing, talking, toilet rules

What is operant conditioning?

Children learning behaviour by consequences (reinforcement or punishment).

• Encourage/discourage particular behaviours

What is positive reinforcement?

Rewarding good behaviour.

• Praise, attention, rewards → encourage pro-social and positive behaviour

What is primary reinforcement?

‘Rewards’ which meet biological needs, and are automatically rewarding//valued (innate).

• Food, physical comfort, warmth

What is secondary reinforcement?

Rewards linked to wants, that children learn to be valuable.

• Praise, stickers, good grades

What are common examples of positive reinforcement used in an early years settings?

• Proud cloud

• Sticker charts/reward charts

• House points

• Stickers

• Certificates (star of the week)

• Awards

• Golden time

• Marble jar,, pom-pom pots, rewards