There are 2 children in my class. they like to imitate each other so much. what can i do in order to stop them

Question

what can i do to stop them behaving like that?

Answer 1

Hmmm...this is preschool?  Sending them out of the classroom probably will not benefit them or you either.  

Preschool is an age where they can begin to problem solve.  Have a problem-solving brainstorm with you and the two of them.  Explain that this choice of behavior is causing a problem and give specifics.  Have them talk about why they do it and what they can do to help each other stop.

I remember a training of mine at the jist of it was..."Does it really matter?".  Ask yourself that...most times behaviors like that will run its course if you ignore it the best you can.  I find the behaviors that get to me the most are ones that don't really matter...it's just a personal thing that I don't care for.

Where is it causing the problem?  At free choice it really shouldn't be an issue.  

Small group... then put them in different small groups.  And seat them in chairs so their backs are to each other.

If it is causing issues in line... put one toward the front and the other toward that back.

Circle time- I would put one child on my right and one on my left...2 reasons... you are right there to remind with a touch on the knee or shoulder or with a whisper for "eyes on me".  Another... you will not see all of it and it won't annoy you so much.  :-)  When you are across the circle from them...you see everything!

In this situation I would note who the instigator is to get it going.  Observe for a bit and find out exactly what is getting it started.  Then start working on the one that isn't instigating it!  This usually has more success and the other one starts to get bored with it all.

Good luck!

Answer 2

let them go! they are probably learning through play. if it really bothers you, maybe you could get the whole class involved in a 'mirror' game where they pair up and imitate each other.

Answer 3

you can talk about how we're all unique and talk about being your own person.

If they're in preschool, it's just a stage, they like to do what their friends are doing. it's natural, unless they're really distruptive, you shouldn't worry too much.

Answer 4

Sit them seperatly one in one corner far away from the other. That worked for me I was one of those kids that talked too much so my teacher sat me infront far away from my friends.

Answer 5

keep them away from each other all the time and if they do it one more time send the main corser out of the classroom

Answer 6

If they both think it is funny, I would try to keep them separate and ignore it.  If they are getting upset, talk to them and maybe talk to the parents if it continues.  Explain to them that they are hurting each others feelings and that we don't hurt each other on the outside or the inside.  If they are preschoolers it may take a while until they get it.

Answer 7

I am actually trying to figure out what the problem is here, as it sounds like something fun they are doing.

I would say to give one of the students something productive to do and observe to see if the other one copies him doing that.

Matt