What positive prevention measures should be used to help eliminate inappropriate behavior of a preschooler?

Question

I'm a college student studying early childhood education. I want to know the different positive prevention measures that can be used inside a preschool class.

Answer 1

For every behavior there is always a reason. Talk to the child about how they are doing today. What did you do this weekend? What is your favorite activity in our classroom? Why did you hit Jacob? By having a casual conversation, you may be able to find out if some thing is going on at home. Many behaviors are a result of anger or resentment. The child could have seen something at home on tv or in general in their home. Another thing to look at is the environment he is in at school. Some children like it quieter and others louder. Some get overwhelmed when working in large groups. Some just want attention. Some merely need the security knowing you have boundaries, so they act out to be able to feel those boundaries. Try looking at your classroom and all the different parts of his environment at school. After you try changing the things in the environment you can control, and if it still persists, talk to the parents about what they do at home with their child. What works? Of course, you are only able to do so much the same as the parents (i.e. you can't spank, etc). I have found that with a particular child in my class, I have to meet him half way. He is either EXTREMELY happy, or VERY angry. So, since I'd rather have be really happy, I try to meet him half way on that. By meeting half way, I mean I try to be what others may consider overly cheerful. I'm sure he is doing much better now because of it. I find he is giving  more hugs, is using his words more, letting things go that aren't a big deal saying "That's OK!" and needs little reminder to follow rules.

He's been on a "good boy streak" for at least 2 weeks now. The more I tell him, "You have had a great day!", "I am going to tell your dad you had agreat day!" the better he is.

Answer 2

Usually reinforcement... as opposed to punishment. There are several principles..

Positive reinforcement (attention, tangible items)

Negative reinforcement (breaks, escape from task)

Noncontingent reinforcement

Differential reinforcement (DRA, DRO, DRI...)

Token economies

Environmental manipulations (antecedent interventions)

But, what do you mean by positive... In behavioral literature, positive means PRESENTATION of a stimulus, and negative means REMOVAL... both can be reinforcement though.

To find the appropriate ones you should, ideally, find out what is maintaining problem behavior first, then implement treatment accordingly... and always try "positive" (I assume you mean reinforcing) measures first.

Usually though, a positive measure paired with extinction (withholding of reinforcement for unwanted behaviors), provides better results then using your positive measures only.

Answer 3

Redirection

Positive praise

Sticker charts to reinforce positive behaviors

Cozy corners- areas where children can be by themself to regroup, chill out, etc.

Keeping busy-movement activities

Answer 4

It depends on so many factors- do you mean one child or a group? Relationship building is the most important thing-once you've earned their trust and respect, any technique you use will be effective. Try looking on line. Getting their attention is key- a special song or hand movement to signal a non-verbal warning always works for me. It tells the child I can see you and you need to stop. It could be as simple as placing your hand gently on the child's head.

Look further into "inappropriate behaviour" it could be another underlying issue (developmentally, or issues at home, child could be tired or hungry) Try thinking of the basics first. Then look on-line for specific examples and choose maybe 5 to try out. Once you do that...pick only ONE and stick to it. Children do very well with repetition.

Lastly, if you are trying to encourage good behaviour....then wildly praise their good behaviour! Go to a dollar store or Wal-Mart and p/u special/colorful paper to create your own "Awesome Listening Award". When yo hand it to their mom/dad the child will begin to understand what you expect and how to get positive attention.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

The best thing is to prevent behaviours before they happen.  If you know something will cause the inappropriate behaviour (ie the transition from inside to outside or vice-versa), then find strategies to stop it before it starts (perhaps singing a getting dressed in our coats type of song).  If it seems a behaviour is imminent, or has already happened, quickly redirect the child to another activity.  Try not to give attention to the inappropriate behaviour when it happens, because that may be what the child wants.  If it warrents discussion, do it a little later.

Answer 6

What is the inappropriate behavior? Acting up or something sexual? If the latter something could be happening to the child outside the classroom. That should be talked about with your superiors. If it's acting up, well I will let the child experts answer that one.