Classroom Management for Small Children
I sat in the back of the classroom. I pulled out my pen and paper and
began conducting an observation at one of our Learning Center sites. I can never forget my observation of this
class, or really, I’ll never forget witnessing one teacher feeling completely
overwhelmed by a robust group of little people. A few things happened that
compelled me to tune in more to what was happening in the class. I witnessed,
as her back was turned, two students who began fighting over a seat. They
chased and feuded with each other and they were non-responsive to her
instructions. She became more anxious
and started to yell to gain control over the classroom. It was very hard for me to watch; I wanted to
take over the classroom. Yet that wasn’t what I was there for.
I notated several things I needed to share with her regarding the
observation. Nonetheless, this occurrence is one that many teachers can relate
to, and it’s important that we understand how to get over that learning curve
when working young children.
Here
are a few helpful hints to keep in mind when disciplining young children
Remember they are little
It is our job as parents to modify our children’s behaviors, but it is equally important to do so in an age appropriate fashion. Age plays a fundamental role in cogitative, emotional, and mental development- thus, if we want little ones to listen to us, it’s important that we meet them where they are. Remembering that a four-year-old kid will be energic, and easily excitable is key to understanding where they are developmentally; this then should help inform your approach for how to manage and target their behaviors while still being caring and safe.
Count
I have found
that using the counting trick with kids works! It’s a helpful strategy because
it is not about limiting their emotions; it’s about giving them a chance to
modify their behavior. It also can help get their attention. You may even want
to encourage them to count with you.
Address the bad behavior
Focusing on addressing the specific
behavior and taking the opportunity to patiently teach the child why that
behavior was wrong is more important that punishment. Children are likely to
become repeat offenders if they do not understand why they got in trouble in the first place.
Consistency
Consistency is key for helping shape behavior. Parents are a source of structure and
stability, thus, being consistent is key for children’s expectations and
understanding who makes the rules and why they should be followed. Parents who
can control their temper and consistently enforce their expectations and
discipline are able to create a more relaxed and structured environment for
children to grow up in.
Remember
working with little ones takes patience!
Set your
boundaries and let them know, again respectfully, if they have crossed lines.
Consider seeing a therapist if they still try too hard to manage your
life.
- https://www.edutopia.org/blog/big-and-small-classroom-management-strategies-todd-finley
- https://www.playdoughtoplato.com/classroom-management/
- http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept03/vol61/num01/The-Key-to-Classroom-Management.aspx
Tiana Brown is the Assistant Director of the Norwalk Housing Authority Learning Centers
