If you are concerned about the behavior of a child you must:
First, look at the
Environment: this includes the physical environment, smell and sound.
Second, consider setting events: this includes schedule, sleep, diet, stressors (including medical)
Third, consider interactions with others: does the behavior get the child something or get the child out of something.
Fourth and last, after looking at all else, even if the child has an obvious disability, even when the answer seems to be apparent…that this child has a problem, only after all of that, and making adjustments that may help, look at the child...For a toddler it makes a lot more sense to remove an object you don’t want him or her to touch than to repeatedly try to teach the toddler not to touch the item...something that may be developmentally very difficult or even impossible to do.
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32 comments:
I have noticed when my teacher do not all inforce the same rules it not only causes confusion with the children but also tension between staff and disrespect from the children to the teachers. What if there are only two options to give a child; don't children have to learn sometimes there are only two choices?
Sometimes there are only two options. For example, 'you will either get out of danger or I will get you out of danger.' These though are usually emergency situations. Most situations, before they become an emergency, have more than two options. When they occur over and over again, we have more opportunity to come up with more options and even discuss with the child what those options might be.
CR Petersen
One word...Consistency!! And from the get go! I have learned from my experience at the center I work at that consistency is everything. It is very important to the children along with the adults.
I can appreciate manipulating the environment to keep children safe, but sometimes keeping a tempting object (that is off limits) in place is a good teaching time. For instance, I keep my curtains dangeling in my home and I teach the babies and toddlers to leave them alone. Do you agree? kellyc11
I agree as long as you can manage it and keep on top of it without things getting out of control, yes.
Pete
The children that I watch come from a pretty messed up family and they have been shuffeled around a lot. I can tell that the longer that they have been coming to my home the better they act. I have very precise rules that i expect all of the children to follow. At home they are pretty much allowed to do what they want when they want.
Even though I care for mostly infants from birth to 14-16 months of age,I find (floor time for example)if I put age appropriate toys within reach of a baby, they are more content and actually stay content longer with their environment than if they are placed in a situation they are not ready for. Planning ahead for feeding times and napping times creates a less stress filled atmosphere for both baby and caregiver.
I'm looking at this course closely not only as a teacher but as a parent also. I have a 17 month old son who is in the waddler room. Whenever he enters the room it seems that he is always hitting, pushing, or pulling hair. We've tried time out, postive reinforcement, and now im at a loss. We have a divider in the room between infants and waddlers and when he enters the infants room he's sweet and gentle just from switching sides.....any pointers??? Ideas???anything????
carolyn
Could you please provide some additional information? Does he do this no matter who is in the waddler room? Are there times when he does not do this? If so, What's different when he doesn't do it? Is there a competition for certain toys?
Pete
This definiately gives good insight to why children behave the way they do sometimes. In all actuality I know as an adult I also do better under these conditions. Its a great way to look at it...Would this be something I would also struggle with if I was under these conditions?
I was wondering about my 2 year olds bad behaviors and after reading this collaboration I have realized that I need to change around the environment at my house. She is with me all the time I have full custody. I was thinking that it was just the age but after reading some of the situations I have realized that what I am doing in some situations I need to manage them different and this has helped me react to the situations differently.
I was wondering about my 2 year olds bad behaviors and after reading this collaboration I have realized that I need to change around the environment at my house. She is with me all the time I have full custody. I was thinking that it was just the age but after reading some of the situations I have realized that what I am doing in some situations I need to manage them different and this has helped me react to the situations differently.
The layout and organization of the environment does make a huge difference! I've worked on improving my score on the Family Child Care Environmental Rating Scale (FCCERS, and it has been a big help.
I have a legally blind son so from birth I have always had to make sure that his environment was safe for him to roam freely in. He can still see just not that well. Even though he's 4 now I still have to "baby proof" the house for safety reasons. I agree with Ronda, the layout and organization of the environment does make a huge difference. It definitely reduces unneeded stress.
The environment is a big factor. There are things that they don't like and can make them upset and then the undesired behavior starts. Things have to be consistent so the behavior doesn't spark up again.
MAA
What do you do if a child who is in a bad situation and you try to fix it makes the situation worse on the child's behavior?
This can occur quite often. Sometimes people who intend to do well for a child actually do make things worse. If there are really bad behaviors, then you might consider having someone do a functional analysis of behavior, or for a child under the age of 3 you may want to have someone from part C of IDEA come and assist you with ideas or possibly provide some intervention for the child.
I've learned to make sure that our enviroment is consistant.If something is out of place it seems to be distracting to the children. I've labled things to help the children learn where they go.
"Oskar sees that this arguing with his mother is not helping his cause he tries another tact" Bright and very observant kid! It's obvious Oskar got mom figured out, sadly for mom seems doesn't got a clue?! And it's obvious mom tolerating Oskar's behavior of yelling; calling her names and hitting her speaks volume contributing factor to the child's behavior. I agree "The problem is not just with the child. To change child behavior by changing the behavior of the adults who deal with that child." My question is How and What ways to help and approach an adult/child when face with this situations?
It can be difficult to approach a parent at times. There is another course on the IdahoSTARS page that is waiting approval but deals with communication. You are welcome to watch the videos and read the information now but as I said I'm waiting for approval.
I agree Environment is important not just to a child even to an adults is just as important. Adult sets the tone, mood, smell, sound, and security and safety. Children and even the adult learn and response well when in a safe, healthy, warmth and loving environment.
I find that consistency between all the teachers and communication with the parents are key factors in dealing with behavior problems. Also organization is key to provide an environment for easier transitions.
I find that consistency among the teachers and communication with the parents are key factors when dealing with behavior problems. Also, organization of your room is key in providing an environment for easier transitions.
I am a strong believer of consistency and schedule with children. No matter if a child has a disability or not I think they react better when having a set schedule everyday. It helps the kids be more relaxed as same with the adults.
I always paid attention to issues of lack of sleep, being hungry, or stress from home when working with elementary students in the inner city. I never though of sensory issues with any of them. Since providing intense behavior intervention to children with autism I became more aware of sensory issues that may effect behaviors. I am now more aware of student behaviors and look at how sensory issues may be an issue for children in the classroom.
I think it is important to remember that just because these are children, does not mean they are not still individuals, like adults that have preferences and individual needs as well. They have boundaries for what they tolerate and what creates disorder in their lives. I think if we can sometimes remember to try to be considerate to their needs, of course within reason, then things may go more smoothly in their environment. If there is something you can do to make the learning environment better for all of the children, you should be willing to put forth the effort to accomplish this. All will end up happier in the end. Also maintaining a positive attitude usually always creates a calmer and more comfortable atmosphere for both children and adults.
Environment is definitely a big factor in behavior. Dividing the room has helped cut down on constant running in the room by the toddlers. How do you help the child who refuses to help pick up and put away the toys? Time out is only a reward to them as they can sit and watch the other children pick up.
Yvonne
Sometimes the best way to eliminate stressors such as attachment issues is for the children to have the parents more involved. For example, parent involvement at early education centers is very important. Sometimes, the parents just need to spend more time with the kids.
I have found that being consistent and being prepared are very important to the preschoolers that I teach. If I come in for the day and I still need to prepare and I am not ready they can sense my hurry or chaos and it sets our day off. If they come in and know exactly what to expect for the day adn I am ready and prepared for the day right when they walk through the door it sets us up for a successful day.
Environment can make a big difference in the way children behave in a classroom. I have recently created a very cozy area with a couch, pillows, blankets and books. The kids LOVE it. They are always coming in and sitting down to read. Sometimes toys from the other areas spill into this area and it can become cluttered. Boy does it ever change the feel! I have quite a few things in my school that the children know are special, they always respect those things. I let them know from the very beginning that I will make sure their special things are respected as well! I also always have a sensory bin or two for the kids. That can be so soothing when they feel grumpy or are hungry and waiting for me to finish lunch!Right now my box is filled with colored salt and rice, sometimes I add some essential oils. The kids love it! Sometimes I say(when a child needs some refocusing),"Why don't you go take some time to play with the salt on your own?" I also have a chalk board with a paint brush and a tiny cup of water, like a "Zen board" that is another soothing activity. These things are here, and the children take advantage of them and know that I will always allow them alone time with these activities if they need it. Also, I just recently felt like our play space was getting cluttered and got rid of a lot of things. The kids ended up playing with more stuff because they weren't so overwhelmed by all the choices. I also like to rotate toys, it keeps things interesting. All in all, the environment really does make a huge difference an the way a child feels, and therefor behaves. Great comments here from everyone, I wish I had time to comment on them all!
I think the child environment is a huge factor in the way that they behave. Kids get overwhelmed and irritated pretty fast. As a preschool teacher I have found that the class operates much smoother when they come in and everything is prepared. I have all the activities for the day planned and everything laid out. I think if you are not organized and are just trying to wing it that the kids know and join the chaos that may be occurring.
Enviroment does have alot to do with distraction and redirection. The setting of the classroom can greatly interfere with the choices a child makes. We have found simply not putting a row of easily tangible toys in the direct path of where a line to go outside can aid in the class staying in line. by putting stuffed animals along side of the reading materials can create calm. where placing cars along side the reading materials can create a fidgeting or unfocused on the calm center.
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