CH 6 :: Guiding Young Children's Behavior

Children in this stage tend to dump and run, so plan games to enhance this behavior in a positive way.

• 2-3 yr olds

• infant/toddler

• 3-4 yr olds

• 4-5 yr olds

Teachers of this age often find children

trying to climb up on tables, chairs and shelves.

• infants/toddlers

• 2-3 yr olds

• Older toddlers

• 3-4 yr olds

​ (a)   become curious and create many misconceptions

as they create new schemas for understanding concepts.

• Young preschoolers (3-4 yrs)
• Older preschoolers (4-5 yrs)
• Young school-age

Actively explore environments

Like to take things apart

Have limited verbal ability, so biting or hitting to express feelings is common

• Older toddlers

• 3-4 yr olds

• 2-3 yr olds

• Infant/toddler

Work well with routines

Say “no” often

Comprehend more than they can verbally express

• Older toddlers

• 2-3 yr olds

• 3-4 yr olds

• School-age

Are able to problem solve on their own

Begin to understand responsibility

Think in terms of fairness

Attempt to negotiate

• Infant/toddler

• Older school-age

• Young school-age

• 3-4 yr olds

Relationships with friends

Daily Routine (Rushed, busy, not enough time to play, run or exercise)

T.V. Exposure (screen time- amount and quality)

are all signs of:

• typical children's naughty behavior

• environmental factors that affect behavior

• things that parents need to do

• these do not apply to preschool children

To feel loved

To be included

To feel important

To be heard

To feel valued

To feel safe

To have friends

• friendship needs

• behavior needs

• social-emotional needs

• physical needs

The best approach to deal with: Seeking Attention - Positive or Negative

• Provide opportunities for positive success

• Acknowledge intense feelings and stay positive

• Provide many opportunities for choice making

• provide positive attention

The best approach to deal with: Power - To be the “boss”

• Provide opportunities for positive success

• Acknowledge intense feelings and stay positive

• Provide many opportunities for choice making

• provide positive attention