Behavior Management for Young Children

Which of the following are examples of mental health disorders that can affect behavior in children?

*a. Anxiety b. Multiple sclerosis c. Asthma *d. Depression

Which of the following are goals of positive behavior management?

*a. Create a foundation for future learning b. Take control of the learning environment c. Make sure that every child acts the same *d. Teach appropriate behaviors

Which of the following are tips and considerations for effective discipline?

*a. Picking battles *b. Proper communication c. Using physical force d. Calling the child names

Which of the following are benefits of using behavior management to promote positive behavior?

*a. Promotes respect *b. Enhances social skills c. Develops motor skills *d. Creates atmosphere conducive to learnin

Which of the following are proactive behavior management actions a child care provider can take?

*a. Providing group-building opportunities *b. Scheduling activities *c. Arranging the classroom d. Promoting individualism

Inappropriate teaching strategies can lead to disruptions. While planning activities, keep in mind group size and composition. Ask yourself, "How many children can reasonably share the materials?" or "Who works well together?"

Additionally, a mismatch between teaching and learning styles can cause children to not comprehend what is being presented. Proper planning can avoid many of the problems caused by a difference in teaching and learning styles. Plan activities to ensure that all learning styles are addressed. Cultural or language barriers can also cause children to become disruptive. Refrain from using terminology young children do not understand, and speak clearly; be alert for children who may be confused by the directions given.

What highly-valued item are children seeking by exhibiting both good and bad behavior?

Adult attention

Getting and keeping the interest of children can be a difficult task. It can be especially tough when a child care provider has to compete with something that causes attention to be drawn elsewhere. In such instances, it may be necessary to remove the item causing the distraction.

An effective technique is to present the child with options: allow the child to make a choice between putting the item away or letting you hold it. If the child keeps possession of the item, inform the child that if it becomes a distraction again, it will be taken and returned later.

The following are mental health disorders that can affect children:

Anxiety-Most common health disorder among children; characterized by unfounded worry, dread, or apprehension Depression-Characterized by extremely low periods; child loses interest in everyday activities, has negative thoughts, and may also have physical side effects resulting from not eating or sleeping properly Bipolar disorder-Characterized by extreme emotional mood swings ranging from extreme euphoria to severe depression Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-Characterized by lack of concentration; child has difficulty being quiet, taking turns, or sitting still

Behavior management techniques and strategies can be used effectively with all students, even those with disabilities.

Any techniques and strategies used should benefit both the child care provider and the child, and should never be viewed as a means of punishment or involve embarrassing or belittling a child.

Positive guidance techniques and strategies can be used effectively with all children, including those with disabilities.

Any techniques and strategies used should benefit both the child care provider and the child, and should never be viewed as a means of punishment or involve embarrassing or belittling a child.

Behavior can be managed with something as simple as the classroom layout.

Arrange the furniture in order to be appropriate for the learning activities that will be scheduled. Make sure the arrangements also allows for appropriate social interaction between the children and the child care provider.

Which of the following is a proactive behavior management action a child care provider can take?

Arranging the classroom

Other proactive behavior management actions a child care provider can take include:

Arranging the classroom Scheduling activities Establishing a behavior management plan Providing group-building opportunities Selecting a group leader Adapting instruction Bullyproofing the classroom

Regardless of the discipline and/or caregiving style used, both must be consistent and effective. Some considerations and tips for effective discipline include:

Attitude Communication Picking battles Use of a technique Natural consequences

When intervening in problem situations, an effective behavior management technique for decreasing stress is using humor.

Be careful to avoid sarcastic or negative humor, and never humiliate a child. Be aware that humor is complex and easily misunderstood. Keep it light, positive, and impersonal.

Child care providers have to be able to determine which method of guidance will work best for a child. Not all children respond the same way to the same style of guidance. No matter the chosen technique, some things must always be applied:

Be consistent-the guidance, not necessarily the technique, should always be the same for the offense and for all children Be timely-the guidance should immediately follow the offense Be fair-the same discipline level should be applied to all children of the same age

What consequence is BEST for clowning when the behavior continues after a private conference?

Behavior contract

Using behavior management techniques benefits child care providers by creating an atmosphere favorable for exploration and learning, and by promoting respect for the child care provider and other children. Children benefit from behavior management because social skills and interactive experiences are enhanced.

Behavior management techniques and strategies include: Setting limits Knowing when to ignore or to intervene Discussing problem situations Using proximity control Increasing motivation Using humor Appealing to student values Listening Removing nuisance items Using ethical behavior management

Much of a young child's day is spent interacting in groups; therefore, strategies for managing group behavior must be adopted. Setting limits is an effective behavior management strategy. Limits need to be established and clearly explained. Consequences should match rule infractions appropriately and be applied consistently.

Behavior that seeks attention or is purely unintentional should be ignored. However, if the behavior is likely to cause injury to others or is in violation of the child care facility regulations, the child care provider should correct the behavior before it affects other children.

Which of the following is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme mood swings?

Bipolar disorder

Young children have an "I"-centered focus, even during their play with others. The "we" or team concept is not always easy for a young child to understand.

Child care providers can help children improve social skills by providing opportunities that will broaden their focus to include others. They should plan group activities that stimulate interaction with others without making the children feel threatened. Participation in group activities will help children build social skills and relationships, practice cooperation and sharing, and learn about teamwork and leadership.

Many children love to be the center of attention. Clowning is a behavior some children will use to get that attention they seek.

Child care providers should privately caution the child/children that continued clowning will result in separation from the rest of the class and/or a parent conference. Discuss with the child/children the proper classroom behaviors that are expected. A behavior contract may be an appropriate behavior management technique to reduce or eliminate clowning.

Children highly value attention from adults and will exhibit either good or bad behaviors in order to get that attention. The purpose of reinforcement is to identify good behavior.

Child care providers should strive to focus on positive behaviors rather than negative ones. Reinforcing actions include: Words of recognition and encouragement Encouraging facial expressions or physical gestures Physical closeness Enjoyable activities

As with discipline styles, research indicates two distinct caregiving styles: demandingness and responsiveness.

Child care providers who establish high expectations of acceptable behavior for all children, regardless of ability or development, and combine these expectations with inflexible rigid consequences are practicing demandingness. Responsive child care providers take a child's thoughts, feelings, and ideas into consideration when establishing standards for behavior. The most successful child care providers possess a combination of high expectations and high responsiveness. Child care providers that have high expectations, yet are reasonably flexible to the needs and abilities of a child, are more likely to have stable, responsible, and confident children as a result of their care.

Which of the following can result in misbehavior?

Child lacking the ability to comprehend

Which of the following accompanies established limits?

Clearly explained limits

From the first day, establish a zero tolerance policy for bullying.

Communicate to the students that teasing and aggressive behavior will not be allowed. Ask the children for suggestions to prevent bullying in the classroom. Incorporate the children's suggestions into classroom rules. Encourage all children to help enforce those rules.

Disabilities can cause or contribute to certain disrupting behavior(s), but a child with a disability could be deliberately misbehaving.

Determining if the behavior is the result of a disability or by choice requires careful analysis. Child care providers should be aware of the characteristics of a child's disability, and establish a relationship with the child to help determine if the disruptive behavior is caused by the child's disability or not.

Although the words are often used synonymously, punishment and discipline are not the same thing.

Discipline is a method of teaching children appropriate behaviors. Discipline should be used to introduce children to positive alternatives and explain the effects of their actions on others. It should not use physical force to coerce a child to conform to a set of rules out of fear. Child care providers should never call a child a name, or belittle or embarrass a child. Always adapt discipline to the age and ability of the child, and make it appropriate to the situation.

Approximately one-fifth of children and adolescents have a mental, emotional, or behavioral health problem. These health disorders range from mild to severe, and can affect a child's general well-being. They can also be the cause of a child's misbehavior; the misbehavior that results from these disorders will not be corrected by behavior management techniques alone. Health disorders must be diagnosed and treated by a trained medical professional.

Disorders may be caused by a variety of factors, including: Heredity Damage to the central nervous system Exposure to extreme hostility, stress, or loss

Effective behavior management includes appealing to a child's values. Most children have a desire to do the right thing, please others, and be liked. Young children are beginning to understand consequences of their behavior. Help children learn to control behaviors by explaining consequences and providing alternate behaviors. When consequences and alternatives are clearly presented, making the right choice becomes easier.

Encourage good listening skills. If a conflict arises, listen carefully as each child presents his/her side of the conflict. Have the children involved also listen to the other sides of the situation. Present possible solutions to the conflict and allow the children to agree on the best solution. Children respond positively when they have had some input to the solution.

Depending on the age of the child, a behavior contract can be a useful tool for managing behavior. To establish a behavior contract, identify the behavior to be corrected and consider how often it occurs. Set a slightly lower number as the target for the child to achieve, and then set a designated contract period. For example, if a child constantly gets out of his/her seat during snack time, the contract goal might be to stay in his/her seat three snack times during the week.

Explain to the child what is expected of him/her and discuss the rewards the child can earn if the behavior equals or surpasses the contract. Use positive incentives rather than negative consequences. At the end of the contract period, a new contract should be established. Raise the expectations in subsequent contracts until the desired behavior is attained.

he purpose of positive behavior management is to enforce rules.

False

Which of the following are strategies for increasing or reinforcing positive behaviors?

Giving praise and encouragement

Allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their behavior in some situations can also be effective.

However, child care providers must be selective with the chosen situations and not allow children to be endangered. Make the children aware that the behavior will bring about specific consequences and allow them to make a choice about their behavior.

Child care providers should avoid over-responding to young children's behavior. Decide if a behavior is something that needs to be addressed, or should be ignored. Remember that behavior that does any of the following should be responded to by the caregiver:

Injures or endangers others Injures or endangers the child Damages materials or other property

Children, like adults, communicate in many ways. Behavior is a form of communication, and it is the child care provider's job to correctly interpret the message and channel the response appropriately.

Language can communicate many things. Children must be encouraged to express themselves verbally rather than physically. Child care providers can assist children to properly express their feelings by giving examples like, "When you hit Frank, it made me feel sad." As the children age, asking questions like, "How did you feel when Sally would not share the crayons?" is another way a child care provider help children express themselves. Remember that any communication of behavior rules must be easy for children to understand, and explained in such a way that children can apply those rules. Be aware of the tone of communications; your words may be saying one thing, and your tone giving another message entirely.

The following are examples of additional mental health disorders that can affect children:

Learning disorder-Characterized by a difficulty decoding or encoding information and may be exhibited as a difficulty with speaking or writing, coordination, concentration, or self-control Conduct disorder-Characterized by displaying little regard for others; child has underdeveloped social skills and acts impulsively, usually in hurtful or negative ways Autism-Characterized by lack of awareness of the presence of others; child performs repetitive actions for long periods and often has additional mental disorders

A balanced schedule of stimulating activities and free play builds a child's self-confidence and establishes a foundation to enhance development of social skills. Children who keep busy are less apt to display troublesome behaviors.

Make sure the activities are age-appropriate. Consider including helpful tasks, such as having the children pick up toys or straighten the classroom, in your planned activities.

Providing rules and instructions for children-and applying them consistently-is an effective strategy to increase and reinforce positive behavior. Have the children help identify good behaviors and rules to follow. Talk about importance of each suggestion. Once a behavior is decided upon, make sure the children understand exactly what is expected of them and why. Create behavior charts for each child and post them in the room. Allow the children to place stars, stickers, or happy faces, when good behavior is used.

Make sure you also follow your own rules. The atmosphere of the classroom begins with the example you set.

What type of consequence is hard playdough when a child forgets to replace the top?

Natural

Encouraging healthy communication is important for both the child care provider and the children. At times it may be necessary for the child care provider to settle a disagreement. This is a wonderful opportunity to begin to introduce negotiation and compromise to young children.

Negotiation is the process of communication to reach a mutual agreement between two or more parties. As a child care provider, you will initially have to direct the children to appropriate choices to fairly reach a compromise. Be sure that all involved parties help to make the final choices; this allows them to feel like they have contributed something to the solution. Children enjoy feeling like they have a choice; no one enjoys being made to do something, especially something unpleasant.

Positive behavior modeling can begin with the child care provider; your children watch your behavior every day. Work to establish a positive relationship with your children.

Other effective positive behavior modeling strategies include role models and role-playing. Negative role models abound, so it is up to you to emphasize positive role models. Use books, stories, or videos that present positive role models and talk about the heroes, kind actions, and good behaviors presented. Have children participate in role-play activities and "act out" stories presented or make up their own scenarios exemplifying good behavior.

Which of the following are reinforcing actions?

Physical closeness

Strategies for increasing and/or reinforcing positive behaviors include

Positive behavior modeling Praise and encouragement Rules and instructions Behavioral contracting

Which discipline style uses threats of punishment to conform behavior?

Power-assertive

Praise is a proven strategy for reinforcing positive behavior and a powerful motivator, but there are guidelines you should follow when implementing it. Praise should be given immediately following the appropriate behavior, and a statement that positively reaffirms the behavior that warranted the praise should accompany it, such as "You did a great job picking up the toys," or "It is so nice to see you sharing with others."

Praise should be genuine and appropriate for the age of the child. Children who make an effort should be praised to encourage them to keep trying. Vary the phrases and methods used when praising. Include nonverbal praise, like a "thumbs-up," "high five," or certificate.

One of the most important things to remember is to communicate with children on a level they can understand. Keep the rules simple, and explain your expectations to the children using pictures or stories about desired behavior.

Refrain from just reading a rule like "Be kind to others." Instead, show pictures of someone being kind and discuss with children the ways they can exhibit this behavior. When correcting a behavior, explain what the child did that was inappropriate and why. Make sure you were understood by asking the child to explain to you how they could have behaved differently.

Which behavior consequence identifies and rewards good behavior?

Reinforcement

The attitude that child care providers have toward discipline is important.

Remember, discipline is necessary for teaching children how to behave and develop respect for others. Using discipline, child care providers introduce children to rules appropriate to their level of maturity, and guide them in learning how to follow those rules to develop self-control.

Crying, screaming, and begging are attention-getting behaviors that must be replaced with appropriate behaviors.

Replacement behaviors must be modeled and reinforced before children demonstrate them naturally. Explain the desired behavior and the reason for it. Be consistent when correcting the inappropriate behavior.

When developing a behavior management plan, the child care provider should describe in writing both the observed behavior and the desired behavior.

Select the method that will be used, and establish how performance will be documented. Having a written plan helps a child care provider communicate expectations and assess the effectiveness of the technique used. Behavior management plans can be written for an individual or an entire class, if necessary.

Which of the following are goals of positive behavior management?

Teach appropriate behaviors

The purpose of positive behavior management is to assist children in the development of academic and social behaviors. When children feel safe, and the environment is free of disturbances from misbehavior, learning can occur.

The goal of behavior management is to teach children appropriate behaviors that make learning possible. Child care providers play a significant role in helping children learn social responsibility, practice self-control, and develop self-discipline. Early development of these appropriate behaviors creates an essential foundation for future learning.

Consequence is defined as the natural or logical result of an action or condition.

There are normally two types of behavior consequences used in child care programs: natural and logical. Both types can result in a change of behavior. Natural consequences are those that naturally result from the child's behavior. For example, if the child forgets to put the play dough back in the container it may become hard and he or she can't use it the next day. Logical consequences are those administered by the provider as a result of the child's behavior. For example, a provider might say, "If you can't keep the trike on the trike track then I am going to put it away for today."

What part of the child care provider's communication is as important as the words spoken?

Tone of voice

When allowing a child to experience natural consequences, the child should not be endangered.

True

According to researchers, there are three distinctive discipline styles: power-assertive, love withdrawal, and induction.

Using the power-assertive style, an adult withdraws privileges, voices threats of punishment, and/or uses physical punishment for control. Children exposed to this style of discipline are motivated to conform by fear or to avoid punishment. The love withdrawal discipline style is characterized by the use of threats of desertion, expressions of disappointment or dislike, and/or ignoring the child. Children motivated by the love withdrawal style conform their behavior due to fear of abandonment. An adult who uses the induction style of discipline motivates the child through explanations and reasonable consequences of undesirable behavior. Children exposed to induction better understand the effects of their behavior and often develop empathy for others.

When children are asked to do something they do not understand, some will ask for help right away, but others may be reluctant to do so.

Watch for children who appear frustrated or stop participating; this can often lead to disruptive behavior. Go to the child, and work with that child one-on-one. Do not do the task for the child, unless as an example for the child to mimic; instead, help the child be able to do the task for himself/herself. Don't neglect to praise and encourage a student who is struggling.

Transition time is another likely opportunity for misbehavior.

When changing from one activity to another, minimize the potential for misbehavior by giving instructions before the transition. Remind children how you expect them to behave. Praise children who are behaving appropriately, and point them out as examples for the others to follow. Always be prepared for the next activity. Make sure all materials are ready and easily accessible. Have the children help during the transitions to make them go more smoothly. Incorporate different techniques during transitions, but always attempt to keep the children focused.

Which of the following are causes of, or reasons for, misbehavior?

a. Curriculum *b. Disabilities *c. Bidding for attention *d. Transitions

Which of the following are strategies for increasing or reinforcing positive behaviors?

a. Maintaining a distant relationship with children b. Giving punishment as soon as unacceptable behavior occurs *c. Providing rules and instructions *d. Giving praise and encouragement

Which of the following are behavior management techniques and strategies?

a. Punishing offenders *b. Appealing to student values *c. Setting limits *d. Listening

Which of the following are reinforcing actions?

a. Time-out *b. Words of recognition and encouragement *c. Enjoyable activities *d. Physical closeness e. Restricting privileges

Praise should be genuine and ______ for the child.

age-appropriate

Children misbehave for a variety of reasons

including inappropriate teaching strategies, the child's inability to comprehend, bidding for attention, transitions, disabilities, health disorders. Learning why children misbehave and developing a plan to preempt those situations will be beneficial to both child care providers and the children in their care.