As opposed to using stickers for the very reasons given in the article, we focus on good behaviour. Every child entering the nursery receives a smiley face badge, so starting the day with a positive note that all children are good.
Should a child act or behave in a manner that is less pleasing, the badge is removed. It is amazing the effect this has on the child, and mum will ask why it is not there at home time. Only after a warning is the badge removed.
The badge also provides a link between nursery and home. Yes, it would be great if a simple smile from the teacher was enough, but this gesture does not happen in front of the parent and, therefore, is missed.
The Care Commission during our last inspection was sceptical about the badges until it was explained. Once they observed how they operated, they were impressed with the system.
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Jennie Lindon replies:
All my serious reservations still apply to using smiley faces as a removable symbol of goodness. Young children will be confused, since many of their actions could fail to please adults. There is a risk of shifting conversations with parents towards what has gone wrong. Finally, have practitioners committed to an equally visible exposure of their own less than good days?
