As early childhood educators, we know our children are still on a journey of developing and growing physically and mentally. They're discovering how to communicate their ideas, manage their emotions, and navigate new surroundings with other children. It's inevitable that there may be some bumps in the road along the way!
Children may exhibit behaviors such as:
Biting
Hitting
Throwing Objects
Refusing to listen
Lashing out
While these behaviors can be challenging, it’s essential to remember that they are not a reflection of a child’s character. Often, these actions are part of their developmental stage, and with proper guidance, they can learn and grow from these experiences. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to provide the support and structure they need to understand their mistakes and move forward positively. Here are some go-to strategies for responding effectively and compassionately to developmental behaviors in your classroom.
1. Switch Up the Child’s Setting
Sometimes, a change of environment can work wonders. If a child is exhibiting challenging behaviors that disrupt the class, gently encourage them to move to a new activity or area. A quieter or calmer space can help them reset and regain control. Once the child feels better supported, they can return to the learning environment with a fresh perspective. A slight shift in scenery can be an effective tool to de-escalate behavior while maintaining the flow of the classroom.
2. Communicate with Parents
Children’s challenges may stem from factors beyond the classroom. Keeping parents informed about recurring behavioral issues can provide valuable insight into potential triggers or stressors that may be influencing their child. Share your observations and ask parents for input or strategies that have worked at home. Building this bridge of communication fosters collaboration and ensures a consistent approach between home and school.
3. Understand the Antecedents
Challenging behaviors often have triggers, known as antecedents. Take time to observe the patterns that precede a behavior. Was the classroom environment too noisy? Were they overwhelmed by a transition? Did a peer interaction escalate the situation? By identifying these triggers, you can adjust the environment or routines to prevent future occurrences and develop proactive strategies for addressing the child’s needs.
4. Establish and Maintain Routines
Predictability and structure are crucial for young children. A consistent routine reduces anxiety and helps children feel secure, making it less likely for challenging behaviors to emerge. Create a daily schedule with clear blocks of time for different activities, and incorporate transition activities to help ease shifts between tasks. When children know what to expect, they feel more in control, which can reduce outbursts or resistance.
5. Model Composure
Children look to adults for guidance, especially during moments of difficulty. Maintaining a calm demeanor when addressing challenging behaviors sets a powerful example for children. Losing your temper can damage trust and escalate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, respond calmly, and model the self-regulation skills you want the child to develop. A composed reaction can help de-escalate the moment and foster a stronger teacher-child connection.
Challenging behaviors are a natural part of childhood development, and as educators, we play a pivotal role in helping children navigate them. By creating supportive environments, fostering open communication, and modeling positive behaviors, we empower children to grow into confident, self-aware individuals. Let’s view these moments not as obstacles, but as opportunities to teach valuable life skills that will serve our students for years to come.
Reference:
ChildCare.gov. (2022). Responding to Challenging Behaviors. Retrieved from: Responding to Challenging Behaviors | Childcare.gov
About the Author
Sheika Petteway, Chief ENCOURAGING Officer
She provides educational and leadership training to individuals and organizations. She is the founder and CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises and has several years experience serving in the early childhood education industry.
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