Because Every Child Is Special: Temperaments 20 Reasons Children Misbehave • • • • • • • • • • Going Through Many Changes Stress in the Family Negative Attention I’m Tired I’m Hungry I Feel Sick Feeling Teacher Stress Over Stimulation Too Much Energy Explore My Senses Need Hands-on Activities Need to Make My Own Choices Too Many Limits Too Many People Need to Express My Strong Emotions Feeling Nervous with New Routines I Am Mad When I Cant Do What I Want I Don’t Know the Right Words I Don’t Want to Stop Playing I Need You to Solve My Problem • • • • • • • • • • 20 Ways to Prevents Misbehavior • • • • • • • • • • Room Arrangement Sensory Activities Toy Rotation Props in Centers Child Choice vs. Teacher Directed Hands On Activities Classroom Routine Outdoor Play Power Activities Good Rules • • • • • • • • • • Teacher Observations Label Children’s Feelings Offer Healthy Snacks FLOOR TIME Teach Children Words Clean-Up Warning “Catch” Them Being Good Give Children Responsibilities Inform of Routine Changes Be A Good Role Model Responding to Spirited Children • • • • • • • • Maintain a predictable schedule Give children step by step directions Limit the number of choices Work in small groups Make sure activities are developmentally appropriate If children are overwhelmed, provide more structure and specific directions. Document problematic behaviors in a daily log Create cozy secluded corners for children to get away • • • • • • • • • Become skilled in smooth transitions Rehearse any changes ahead of time Include movement activities Be respectful of children’s preferences Coach children toward self-control Choose your battles wisely Hold frequent parent conferences Focus on the child’s strengths Ask for help when you need it Galinsky, E., Sprague, P., Sazer-O’Donnell N., Dombro, A.L. (2006). Mind in the Making, Learning Modules for Early Childhood Teachers. (Ver sion 03.01.2006). New York, NY: Families and Work Institute. Kaiser, B., Rasminsy J, (1999) Meeting the challenge: Effective Strategies for Challenging Behaviors in Early Childhood Environments. Ottawa: Canadian Child Care Federation, Kurcinka, M.S., (1991) Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent Energetic. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.