Behavior Communicates

It is the job of all early childhood educators to understand what behavior means. When a child behaves in a way that indicates a need for extra help and support, ask the question, “What is really going on here?” Be a detective to discover possible messages in the child’s behavior. Is the child in question really saying…I have a need that isn’t being met. *I feel hungry, tired or ill. *I need help learning how to interact with others and develop relationships. I’m lonely. I want attention. *I’m bored or overwhelmed. *I feel sad, scared, anxious, or angry. *I want… I don’t know how to do it. *The activity is too hard for me. I’m frustrated! *I don’t understand the directions. I’m confused! I feel uncomfortable. *The room is too noisy and crowded and the lights are too bright. *It’s hard for me to sit still at circle time.

Filed under Parents Early Childhood and tagged with behavior guidance mental health PBS on January 14, 2010 #