Supporting ‘Bad’ Behavior

Description

Activities like running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling are often labeled as bad behavior. Many early learning settings attempt to limit them–if not outright ban them. This session takes a contrarian view, looking at these activities as learning opportunities, and offers ideas for encouraging and supporting them. These things can be done safely–without hurting others–and don’t have to create friction between children and their caregivers.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

• Understand the developmental benefits of supporting running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling
• Acquire ideas for creating a space where kids can run, climb, throw, spill, punch, pinch, kick, bite, tattle, and yell
• Examine their feelings and policies about running, climbing, throwing, spilling, punching, pinching, kicking, biting, tattling, and yelling
• Understand that these behaviors are driven by developmental inclinations

Competency Area

• Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
• Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
• Michigan | Teaching And Learning
• Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
• Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
• Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
• South Dakota | Learning Environments
• Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
• CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

Topic	Time	Activity
Introduction	05 minutes	Monologue
Why Support ‘Bad’ Behaviors?	20 minutes	Discussion
Examining Your Feelings	10 minutes	Discussion
Supporting These ‘Bad’ Behaviors	20 minutes	Discussion
Conclusion	05 minutes	Monologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from these sources (affiliate links):

• Let Them Play
• Babies In The Rain
• Finding Your Smile Again

Content Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Age Group Focus

• Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
• Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
• School Age (5 years to 12 years)
• Adults

Target Audience

• Family Child Care Providers
• Child Care Center Teachers
• Child Care Center Directors
• Head Start Teachers
• Head Start Administrators
• Early Head Start Teachers
• Service Coordination Staff
• Technical Assistance Specialists
• Home Visitors
• Parents