Originally Posted by momofsix:
So after reading through some of the topics lately about different ways of doing curriculum, and different problems providers are having with some kids, and all the responses, this is the March newsletter I found that was sent out by licensing today-I thought it would be interesting to hear if you agree that allowing children more freedom in choices helps their behaviors, or see it as a recipe for diseaster. If you could give real life examples that would be helpful!
Sorry it's hard to read, I couldn't figure out how to copy it the way it came
March Newsletter
Teachers report the most common behaviors children display during power
struggles are:
• biting
• hitting, kicking,
pushing
• whining
• tattling
• yelling
• not wanting to
participate
• refusing (defiance)
For more information on workshops contact me at:
DKJ5075@aol.com. or visit my website:www.danieljhodgins.com
How many times have you heard a child say to you, “You can’t make me, you’re
not my MOM!” Sometimes you might even secretly be thinking, I am so glad that I am not. A power struggle is an individual need for control or power. Sometimes a child will do anything to attain control/power. Even if that means creating
“hurt” or “chaos”.
When do Power Struggles occur most likely?
• mealtime
• clean up time
• nap time
• group time
• when sharing is requested
• arrival and departure
Notice the basic similarity in all of these is that the times are directed and/or
decided by the adult. My observations of young children show that the more
the child is in control of their schedule the fewer power struggles. We need to
look at our daily routines and see how much of the day is “Teacher Decided”
versus “Child Decided”. When children are allowed to make “real” choices
about what happens and when it occurs during the day they develop a strong
sense of self-control. Think about how you feel when you are included in the
decision making process. Being included in the process creates a feeling of
belonging.
Who is in Control Here? Power Struggles
Preventing Power Struggles:
• Provide choices for children - make sure the
environment is set up with activities they are interested in
• Allow children to make changes to
experiences you provide - place props in child’s
reach and watch what he/she will do with them
• Flexible time boundaries - children need some
control of how much time it will take to finish an experience
• State what you want children to do - avoid
telling children what they can’t do and focus on what they
can do
• Avoid getting your “buttons” pushed - never
take what children say or do personally, it is not about you it
is about them
Remember that children are always looking for power
and/or control. It is our responsibility to provide lots of
opportunity for them to attain it.
I'm going to channel my granny for you:
wait for it........................
Nan's Nan says: "that or you could have them
go play toys."