Suggestions for Learning to Understand Child Behavior

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Pam, on behalf of Expert Village. And now we are going to talk about understanding behaviors in children. Here are some more examples of things that you are going to come across in any situation and some new suggestions that maybe you haven't tried. Say you have two children that are arguing over the use of a new toy. Most centers have toys that they call "rotating toys"; they bring them out on a certain basis. So you can say, "Jacob, I noticed that you wanted to be the first one to play with the green truck. Well, Caleb I have this toy over there that we don't get to play with everyday, maybe you would like to come and play with that." Or, if they are dawdling or they are late for something; don't be afraid to let them miss out on it. They're going to get upset; it is a natural consequence though. "Ya know, hey, I'm really sorry, but our activities have already been put away." Explain to them that, "there is a reason why we ask you to come when you are called". That way they know why they missed the opportunity. Say, you have children that are pushing or crowding or they are running inside. Change the room arrangements. Now that may be easier to do in some centers than others, but there is no reason you couldn't ask or try. When you create a larger, more open space, children have greater freedom of movement. Now, if they are unable to take turns or wait there is now reason why you can't buy more of the same toy. You'll realize that some toys are more popular than others. Have two of the same toy. Kids love the Cars movie and so when we got one set of the cars, we got two sets. If they are playing a little too rough or a little too active, use positive redirection. Say, you have two kids that are wrestling. Separate them, take one to another center. Chances are they will calm down once they are away from each other. And, again, some of these might work and some of them might not, but it is something for you to try."