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 my books:
- Let Them Play
- Babies In The Rain
- Finding Your Smile Again
Content Level
Beginner / 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