The Badge Archive

The 1984 Daisy Girl Scouts Leader’s Guide had a list of tips for working with little scouts (pages 12-13). Here is a summary of what they suggest:

• If a shy scout is not socializing, ask her to be a helper in an activity where her talents shine. She can help others and often helps make new friends.
• Do not lecture. If a scout shares their family is getting a baby in a few months and she does not want one – the more appropriate response is to say something like “Sounds like you’re upset” and let her keep talking. Children may often resolve their own uneasiness about situations if they just have someone they trust to listen and not always tell them what to think and feel.
• Make sure the scouts are paying attention before you give instructions. There are multiple ways you can call for attention.
• Sit down whenever possible – be on their level.
• Use few words. Speak simply. Only give one direction at a time.
• Speak quietly and pleasantly. Always talk directly to the scouts and not just across the room/area.
• Phrase things positively. “Hand me that cup please” or “Put the cup in the trash can” instead of “Don’t throw your cup on the floor.”
• Do not give “options” when it really isn’t an option. If it’s time to take a potty break, say “It’s time to try going to the potty.” Do not ask “Do you want to go to the potty?”
• Give warning when an activity is going to end or begin. Do not hurry little scouts. If they linger on an activity, instead of lecturing that they are holding up or slow, redirect them to the next step. “Where is your towel?” if they are washing their hands too long. “Where do your art supplies go?” If they are not finishing their picture when it’s time.
• Praise behavior you want to continue. “Susie is sitting quietly, ready for us to start.” “Sam is following directions.” “Susie is help her buddy.” DO NOT compare one scout to another. “Susie is doing this and Sam is not.” If they have achieved something, even small, verbally recognize and celebrate it with them.
• Do not expect them to participate 100% of the time. Some children will just want to watch. Encourage them to join, but don’t insist on it. If they do not want to participate, give them a safe spot that won’t disturb the group they can watch as long as they say safe and quiet. Some troops may want to provide coloring supplies or another quiet activity they can do in the safe spot.
• Sharing can be difficult. Be prepared to troubleshoot when one gets upset if they have to take turns. You can use a substitute item when the one they want needs to be waited for and the scout is frustrated. You can limit the length of time any scout uses one piece of equipment so they know what the expectations are for using it and waiting.
• If you must discuss a scout, make sure no other scouts are within hearing distance.
• Do not micro-manage. There are situations an adult intervention is needed. Be there and be aware of everything going on. But sometimes staying close by but not doing anything helps them the most. Scouts often can work out problems on their own as long as they are safe, even if it might take them a while to do so compared to if an adult intervened. This is for physical issues (like working through instructions on a game or craft) or emotional/social issues (like getting along with fellow scouts or dealing with a situation they do not like).
• Set a good example. Model the behavior you want.
• Find resources: People, organization, and materials. Know what other adults in your troop can offer, and talk to people in your community that might be willing to help. Use what materials you have wisely, ask families to help contribute supplies if possible, and sometimes you can ask the community or businesses for donations for special activities. Look for free material options on Freecycle groups or other organizations (like Home Depots once a month kid activities).
• Use other organizations when possible. Many will offer a free tour or guest speaker if asked. Libraries have books, audio/visual materials, and some even have toys or kits free for the public to use.
• Use the buddy system. Practice it at meetings so it’s natural to follow when you go on field trips. Some troops will do better with trios (three scouts grouped together) instead of duos (a pair in the traditional buddy system). Especially if you have a scout that needs extra attention, and other scouts start to resent being paired up with them. A trio can help even out the attention needed between them instead of one scout feeling put upon directly because their only partner always needs the attention over them.

They also show several charts that explain the difference between Ages 5 and 6.

Go back to Girl Scout Leaders 101