Disciplining 3 year olds?

Question

I work as a kindy teacher (ages 2 1/2 - 3 1/2) and have a group of boys in the class that are constantly running around the classroom. They range in development (from one that barely responds to anything, to one that completely understands the rules and consequences, but is extremely stubborn so does what he wants anyway). I just don't know what to do to stop them running around. Time out doesn't work- they either go and sit down and don't care (or not even really understand), or fight and argue.

With all the wet weather here lately we've been spending alot of time indoors, and thats making it even worse. I just don't know what else to try to stop them running around, throwing toys, spitting, and fighting with each other...

Answer 1

For a start they've got to know who is the boss. Obviously shouting is a bad idea but you've got to be firm. Explain the consequences if they continue their bad behavior and if they continue carry out the punishment. Explain to them that they won't get a sweet, or to play outside or whatever when everyone else is and they'll soon start behaving. Also speak with their parents explain the situation and ask each parent to speak to their child about it. Also encourage them to interact with other children outside their friendship group. This could encourage good behaviour. When they misbehave say something like "right (name) looks like your not getting (reward) today" this will work wonders. Because when they think they won't get something nice then they will definitely behave. hope this helps :)

Answer 2

I had the same problem, with the same age group. My director was really willing to help out. She let me put them in time out in her office. If you get to do something special like going outside let the child miss out on a few minutes if not the whole time. I know that is the bad part when the regulations say that they need their play time. What about getting the parents involved. I did have one parent and his little knew that if I had to call his daddy for bad behavior. His dad would come to the preschool and take the child and give the child a firm talking too and it would really work like no playtime when he gets home or not tv. Hope that this helps.

Answer 3

Call their parents, detention (I know they're only 3ish, but if it works, it works), take away recess, etc.

Answer 4

call the supernanny

Answer 5

I'm assuming you've exhausted all of the techniques you were taught in your early childhood training regarding child behaviour, so here's my suggestions:

1. Seek out a mentor - supervisor with whom you can bounce ideas off and discuss the situation as they mau be able to provide you with some suggestions.

2. Liaise with other kindy teachers who might be facing similar issues and ask them whether they've had similar experiences and may have resolved the situation.

3. Discuss observations regarding behaviours with the parents of the children and look for ways that the two of you can work together so that you can be supported by them in the early learning environment.

4. Review your program - perhaps what's being provided isn't interesting or challenging enough. Do you engage the children when developing the program ? What is it that they want to do ?

5. Review your own behaviours and that of the assistants in the room. What type of role modelling are you doing ? What are your reactions to their behaviours ? Are you appear frustrated and on edge and perhaps the children are picking up on that ? What are the assistants views regarding the children's behaviours?

6. Seek the help of an external resource/observer. Perhaps there are some underlying issues and the children are not just unruly. Try a Pre-School Field Officer or another kinder teacher for some independent observations.

I hate to say it, but an early childhood educator will tell you that "Time out" is no longer an appropriate action for dealing with children's behaviour. This should have been given up some time ago.

Answer 6

talk with their parents about it; start taking priveleges away;

Answer 7

maybe it is time for a meeting with the parents to find out how they deal with each boy at home.  find some common techniques that can work at both places and try them.  also ask the parents to please speak with their child about the necessity to listen and follow the rules at school and the consequences of not doing so.  and make sure everyone follows through on the consequences.

Answer 8

You have to take back control of your class.  Set up the furniture in your room so they can't have a circle to run in.  We push the table against the wall during our free time.  

Set up centers and only allow 3 students in each center at one time.  Each child picks up his own name tag on the way into the classroom.  For each center area, you set up a board with spots drawn on it for them to place their name tag.  Each  child can pick where they want to play, provided there is an empty space for them to hang their name tag.  Be sure to use your furniture to define your center areas.  If they cannot behave themselves, they automatically only get to play at the table where there are crayons and paper, puzzles or other sit-down self correcting projects.

Whispering works wonders.  We've done that for years.  

Also, as a director, when a child cannot sit, I try to take the child and run their legs off doing stuff I need to get done.  Usually after 15 minutes, they are begging to go back to their class and sit down!

Good Luck!

Answer 9

take some of their things away

Answer 10

Is there a principal or director at your school? They should be sent to the office, dealt with, and their parents called. You definetly need a SET system explained to the entire classroom so everyone knows what's expected. My son's school had bears. Green bear, Yellow Bear, Orange bear, Red bear. If they stayed on green all week they got treats. If they were on red for 2 weeks or more they were reprimanded by the principal and their parents were called. Yellow, for example, kept you out of the office, but you didnt get the same level treat. It worked wonderfully. I'm kind of blown away that the center you teach at doesnt have a set system for dealing with this. If you ARE teaching at home, you need to let your parents know they are a disruption and wont be allowed back if they can't get under control. Just try not to reprimand in front of the class, this embarrasses kids and they act out worse. ALSO, time outs more than 2 or 3 minutes are far too long for kids this young. You may also want to consider that the unresponsive child may need to be with a special ed teacher who is skilled in handling this.