Do you know how to handle a misbehaving toddler in your classroom?

Question

Hi, I'm a Toddler Teacher at a Preschool and I sometimes have a hard time dealing with them. They just sometimes don't listen. Or they think everything they do that's bad, it's funny to them. Well who could blame them being just 2 years old. But I just need some techniques on how to handle their behavior in my classroom.

i appreciate it.

thank you:)

Answer 1

there's aways the time-put chair when they misbehave. and for the not listening kids you should talk to them like one on one when you want something done.

Answer 2

Two year olds have an easier time if you keep them busy. Keep activities short and free flowing. Don't make them sit. Talk to one child at a time. (slowly and calmly.) You should have an aid in your room to help you . Good luck:)

Answer 3

Last summer I read "The One Minute Manager."  It is not written about this topic at all, but let me tell you - the approach worked with our toughest two-year-olds.

We had two little boys that just didn't get along, and they just seemed to take turns instigating trouble (hitting, shoving, biting, etc.).  

If you can find the book at your library, or at a bookstore, it is well worth the read, and worthy of adding to any teacher's library.

Here is the gist of the technique:

The First Secret: One Minute Goals

Basically set the tone for the children by having clear classroom rules they can understand in picture form (gentle hands - a hand with a heart, etc.)

The Second Secret: One-Minute Praisings.

Catch them doing the right thing and ooh and aah over it!

The Third Secret: One-Minute Reprimands.

This is really key - telling the child "I feel sad when you hurt my friends."  Long pause, maintain eye contact so they know they have your full attention (which is probably what they were going for in the first place, but now it doesn't feel so great).  Then put your hand on their shoulder or rub their back, physical touch helps get the message across - and say that you know that they saw the classroom rules, you know that he or she is a smart boy or girl and that you know that he or she will make better choices the next time.

Then return to goal setting and praising.  You will see the reprimands become fewer and further between.

The very first time I used this technique, our "toughest nut" rant to me and hugged me when I left the classroom and waved at me from the window.  

Two-year-olds, and even young threes should not be forced to apologize when they hurt another child, they just don't understand the concept.  However, you should address the "victim" and say something like "I'm sorry my friend hurt you."  

Sorry this is such a long post, but one more thing:

classroom management, having a daily routine, lively music in the classroom, etc. will all help to prevent some of this drama.  Here is a great link with lots of free info on behavioral issues: http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/...

Answer 4

a little woood shed time lol

Answer 5

You are right - they are two so don't expect too much.  Hurting others or doing something that could hurt themselves are the only things you need discipline for and 2 years old isn't too young for that.  You can't get upset when they get into things though - that's what 2 year old do - they get into stuff and they laugh at others and themselves!  Enjoy their young age - they will grow up before you know it!

Answer 6

I can give you some advise on how to handle the toddlers.bite dem hard hit them with a stick or scare them that mr abududa the white ugly spirit will come and take u..... ha

Answer 7

I used to put them in the "isolation corner" just a corner away from the other kids in a chair facing the wall and make them stay there for five minutes or so until they calm down, worked very time.

Answer 8

Quality K...I'm going to check that book out myself.  It put my thoughts into words better than I could myself.  

A two year old classroom is the most active classroom in the whole daycare.  Pat yourself on the back for being Toddler teacher!  There are very few people who have the patience and know-how for this age group.  It's such a tough age because they have language but do not really understand it.  They haven't learned problem solving yet...and yes, misbehaving is funny to them...it definately gets reactions and they are definately into cause and effect.

I'm so sad to see so many people suggest the time out chair.  I've found that when it is used so much... it loses it's effectiveness.  My personal attitude is if there is a behavior problem...let me first look at myself and the environment before looking at the child.  Why?  Because therein lies the problem 85% of the time.   It is SO necessary to have a routine in place and sticking to it.  Make sure that the daily schedule/routine has a lot of movement.  If you are going to have circle time with a book...be sure to have music and movement or something similar afterwards, etc. Having a visual schedule is such a help.  Use nonverbal techniques over verbal speaks a lot louder to these children.  Learn simple sign language.  Get picture cues to hand to the children.  Have one helper take around a stuffed glove on a dowel (the 5-minute hand) and say "5 more minutes to play" before clean time.  Transitions are probably your hardest part of the day... There's a book called Transition Tips and Tricks.  Check your local library for books like this in the parent-educator section.  

Check out your environment.  How is the room set up?  Does it allow for plenty of space for each child to work or maybe there is too much open space where children can run from one side of the room to the other.  A classroom set up correctly allows for the room to run more smoothly.

Be an example...teach simple problem solving.  Steer away from the demand of "you need to share" and move to say that word when you see them sharing "Hey, look at you too!  You're sharing!".  I hear parents and teachers alike saying "Share!" as soon as there is a problem.  That really isn't teaching them much at this age.  Number one, as adults... do we have to give up what we are using right the second someone else wants it?  No.  So why should we expect children to?  I teach a few phrases to my toddlers.  Number one is "No, thankyou".  "I'm using this right now."  "May I use that when you are done?"  Almost every "problem situation" with my toddlers is because they want a certain toy.  They are still at the age of "This is mine.  That's mine.  And that, which I left ten minutes ago, is mine too!"  You got to love them.  I place my hand over the toy or even hold on to it myself and we do a simple problem solving.  Anna?-wait until she looks at you.  Jacob wants to tell you something.  Jacob what do you want to tell Anna? "Me, toy!".  Jacob would like to play with that toy Anna.  (Anna replies) "No!mine."  I would then encourage her to say, "I'm using this now".  Anna's using the toy right now.  Would you like to play with it later, Jacob?  etc.  They don't have the words...they need to be taught them.  They will definately pick it up very quickly if you and your staff work on it consistently.  Good luck!

Answer 9

Two year olds don't listen a lot of the time, Their TWO. They have a very short attention span and they more than likely want to do their own thing. You need to talk to the preschool and let them know you are having a hard time with the kids.

Answer 10

Hit the crud out of them till they stop.

No that was just a joke, my mom is a pre-k teacher I will asker her tomoro and will update this when I get the awnser

Answer 11

introduce a corner or chair that is like time out. also before the fun starts when everyone is there sit the kids down and try to get them to understand what they are doing wrong. or tell them that you know santa that will shut them up

Answer 12

call their parents or put the child in time out for quite a bit of time. u may also take away many privileges that the child may enjoy doing...to get them to understand there is a time for playing and a time for learning.