1. Behavior Management in Early Childhood
There are activities and questions throughout this presentation to promote discussion and interaction. You can discuss the questions immediately or have the students write down the answers to the questions for later discussion.

2. Topics to cover Why do children misbehave?
Behavior Management/Modification
Behavior Management in use

3. Complete the K-W-L on managing behavior in children.
Activity # 1
Complete the K-W-L on managing behavior in children.
Have students complete the K and W on the KWL chart. You may have them create their own on paper or used the attached worksheet. You may want to specify the number of statements for each column is usually a good start.

4. Why do children misbehave?

5. 6 Reasons for Misbehavior
Natural Curiosity
For Attention
For Power
For Revenge
Feeling inadequate
Wanting to belong

6. Natural Curiosity
Sometimes children are just curious. Often times, this curiosity can lead to undesired behavior; but in most cases, turns out to be a lesson learned with proper guidance.
It is also a good idea to allow them the chance to satisfy their curiosity.
What are some examples of children being curious?

7. For Attention
Children often seek attention in order to obtain an emotional connection. Children relate attention to love and care.
Make sure to give attention at appropriate times.
When should you not give attention?
Remind students when they give attention when a child misbehaves, the child will begin to feel they need to misbehave in order to get attention.

8. For Power
Often times, children need to feel that they have control over something or themselves. When this is the case, they will often disobey direct orders.
What are some ways you can prevent this from happening?

9. For Revenge
When children feel that they may have been treated unfairly, they will often act out as a form of revenge.
Give an example of a child being treated unfairly. How can this be prevented?

10. Feeling Inadequate
When children are constantly being corrected, they may begin to feel inadequate. Often times, this leads to the child giving up for fear of failure.
In most cases, they will not follow directions or complete activities just because they simply don’t want to do it.
How can you prevent a child from giving up?

11. Wanting to Belong
Children need to feel that they belong, whether it be within their family or among their peers.
This can be a positive or negative behavior.
What are some positive and negative things children may do to belong?

12. Other Reasons for Misbehavior
Poor Nutrition
Poor Attachment
Change in Environment
Stress
Not enough sleep
Health problems
Emotional disturbances
Mental Delays
Developmental Disabilities
Natural Skill deficits
Inappropriate expectations for age/development level
Family dysfunction/proble ms

13. Behavior Management

14. What is Behavior Management?
Behavior management is “all of the actions and conscious inactions to enhance the probability people, individually and in groups, choose behaviors which are personally fulfilling, productive, and socially acceptable” (Shea & Bauer. 1987)

15. What is Behavior Modification?
Behavior modification is a term used to describe behavior change techniques used to decrease or increase the frequency of behaviors through positive and negative reinforcements.
What is the difference between behavior modification and behavior ?
Inform students that behavior modification is a part of behavior management.

16. Behavior Modifications
Behavior Modification can be demonstrated through:
Discipline/Instruction
Enforcing appropriate behavior through guidance
Rewards
Creates a positive value towards a social or tangible object; can be motivational
Negative consequences
Discourages negative behaviors
Reinforcements
Can be positive or negative; are used to promote or discourage a certain type of behavior
Rewards don’t always have to be tangible. They can be forms of encouragement expressed verbally to the child.

17. Activity # 2
Give 3 examples of each of the behavior modifications discussed on the previous slide.
Discipline/instruction, Rewards, Negative consequences, and Reinforcements

18. Behavior Management in Use

19. Effective Communication
Explain reasons behind the rule
Be respectful
Refrain from yelling
Refrain from criticizing or lecturing the child
Build strong relationships with parents
Communicate regularly
Involve parents in the behavior management process

20. Rules and Expectations
Have clear goals
Lead by example
Have clear steps between action and consequence
Be consistent and fair
*Learning appropriate behavior takes time!
Be a role model for the kids and remember that they are always watching.
Try to promote acceptance and kindness
Teach them to take responsibility for their actions
Teach them ways to express their feelings appropriately

21. Methods for dealing with Misbehavior
Redirecting-focuses a child on the desired behavior by redirecting or distracting from the undesired behavior
Natural Consequence-direct result of a specific behavior. Can occur without interference.
Logical Consequence-directly related to the behavior; utilized when a natural consequence may be harmful to the child
Positive Reinforcement-used when you want a behavior to increase or continue; used often; doesn’t have to be tangible
Reward-used occasionally; usually tangible; used when desired behavior has been achieved
Example of natural consequence would be child leaving jacket so they will be cold.
Make sure to distinguish between positive reinforcements and rewards.
Explain that giving rewards too often could result in the opposite effect. Students may stop doing the right thing if they feel that they are not going to receive an award.

22. More methods
Deprivation-removing reward or source of misbehavior from the child
Restitution-allowing the child to make up for their behavior
Exclusion-removing child from activity or group
Routines-helps create control for disorganization; creates a sense of security and order

23. Rewards Rewards should be appropriate for behavior exhibited
Rewards should reinforce specific behaviors
Rewards should actually be rewarding to the child
Refrain from using food or candy

24. Consequences
Consequences should be immediate and directly related to the inappropriate behavior
Share the reasoning behind the consequence with the child
Don’t take away necessary activities (i.e. restroom breaks, all of recess, snack time, etc.)
Consequences should be age appropriate

25. Teaching how to Behave Repeat the rules routinely
Create special lessons on appropriate behaviors
Use examples, explanations, praise and encouragement

26. Common Behavior Problems

27. Aggressive behaviors Hitting Biting Throwing Objects Hurting Others
How to handle?
Respond immediately
Take care of victim first
Remove the aggressor from the environment
Calm down the aggressor
Consider the cause
Utilize a consequence
Allow restitution

28. Antisocial issues/Inappropriate expression
Use of inappropriate language
Name calling
Non-sharing
Excessive crying
Whining
How to handle?
Give child a warning
Remove other children from the situation
Only give consequence when offense is extreme
Teach sharing skills
Teach child how to better express feelings

29. Disruptive behaviors Disrupting group time Not following directions
Shouting in class
Doing things on purpose to create noise
How to handle?
Give warning
Remove child from the group
Explain appropriate behavior

30. Destructive behaviors
Tearing up books
Breaking toys
Wasting paper
Destroying others work/property
How to handle?
Be organized and vigil to prevent destructive behavior
Encourage/reinforce appropriate use of materials
Calm child down
Use appropriate consequence

31. Tips to remember Every behavior has a cause
Always explain why the behavior is inappropriate
Make sure consequences fit the crime
Allow restitution whenever possible

32. Complete “Best Method” worksheet
Activity #3
Complete “Best Method” worksheet