As preschoolers engage with one another, their teacher, and their environment, some guidelines and rules need to be set down as inappropriate. During the preschool years, children are going through a stage expressed by Erik Erikson as the Initiative vs. Guilt stage. One part of this stage involves children beginning to feel guilt when having done something wrong. With this new sense, children of this age are also exploring their boundaries and what the role models in their life consider to be "good" and "bad" behavior. Because of this, there needs to be consistent boundaries in the classroom as a way to aid the children's development. Although boundaries are very important, please keep in mind that these inappropriate behaviors are not discussed with the children until they have reached "the fence". What is expected of the children, as well as what is shown by the teachers, is a form of compassion and understanding. With this in mind, should a child need a boundary, then there will be one to enforce. The rules may be different from classroom to classroom, but there are a few basics that should be followed. For every negative behavior squished, there is a positive one to teach.
To develop a positive and safe environment, sets of boundaries need to be in place- but not abused. The age and abilities of each child needs to be considered when determining punishments and ways of dealing with negative behaviors. Teachers need to refrain from emotional envolvement when it comes to giving boundaries- taking the child's behavior personally does not accomplish anything. It only makes the child believe that you are mad at him/her, instead of their behavior. This age is a crucial time, when children are learning what is right and wrong. To develop a good sense of these rights and wrongs, children need to understand that it is their behavior that was not pleasing. The most balanced forms of punishment that are relevant and continue to help with a child's development are the following:
This leads us to one last part of our curriculum. How do these Inappropriate activities look to a child of 3 and 4 years old- through their morality eyes? Continue on to Through the Eyes of Lawrence Kohlberg page to find out.
- Screaming is not allowed indoors | Talking is encouraged among groups, but an inside voice is expressed
- Running is not allowed indoors | Running outside is greatly accepted- as long as the safety of others is considered
- Food and drinks are not allowed out during learning hours | During snack time and lunch, food and drinks are welcome
- Any form of violent behavior is not allowed | Hugging and playful encouragement are praised
- Negative words are not allowed | Speak to those how you wish to be spoken to
To develop a positive and safe environment, sets of boundaries need to be in place- but not abused. The age and abilities of each child needs to be considered when determining punishments and ways of dealing with negative behaviors. Teachers need to refrain from emotional envolvement when it comes to giving boundaries- taking the child's behavior personally does not accomplish anything. It only makes the child believe that you are mad at him/her, instead of their behavior. This age is a crucial time, when children are learning what is right and wrong. To develop a good sense of these rights and wrongs, children need to understand that it is their behavior that was not pleasing. The most balanced forms of punishment that are relevant and continue to help with a child's development are the following:
- Time Out - This allows a child to have time alone to reflect on their behavior. Remember to refrain from yelling when sending a child to "Time Out", but do not give in if they plea against it.
- "Show Me"- This is an activity where a child is taken away from their group (and the fun), is sat down at a table alone, and asked to draw a picture. The child is asked to draw what they are feeling and why they are feeling this way. The one rule of this activity is that they are not to speak a word- they are asked to draw out anything and everything. This can be in the form of paint, crayons, markers, etc.
- Talk- This is where the child is brought out of the classroom and the teacher explains to them what they did wrong. From the teacher, there should be no judgment, emotions, or heavy criticism during this activity. A simple- "This is what you did. It was "bad" or "wrong". This is why. This is how you can correct it." An important part of these talks is to explain the details to the child as if they can truly comprehend you. Children are extremely capable and smart when encouraged. Another thing- make sure you explain why and how their behavior was wrong. This will give them the opportunity to correct the behavior themselves next time.
This leads us to one last part of our curriculum. How do these Inappropriate activities look to a child of 3 and 4 years old- through their morality eyes? Continue on to Through the Eyes of Lawrence Kohlberg page to find out.