Hello Georgia,
I have a handful of children with challenges as well, but yours is unique. Wow! Falling backward. I'd be concerned for his safety first.
In my classroom, I have a "Cozy Corner". It's filled with books and stuffies, (no toys) a huge beanbag, and lots of different textured throw pillows, a silky baby blanket, and a mirror. I usually take the child who is acting out aside, get down on their eye level and ask them if they'd like to go to Cozy Corner until they can get all of their "big" feelings out and then we can talk and figure out how to fix what happened. Most of my students go willingly. However, I do have a few that need to be escorted. I make sure to tell them it's NOT a punishment. The mirror is a HUGE help because they don't realize how they look when they are angry or distressed. Most of the time when they see how uncomfortable or scary they look they start self-calming. I also have a small CD with headphones there with relaxing classical music for them to listen too. Classical music alters brain waves and literally calms. The books I have in a woven basket have to do with "feelings" and NOT bad behaviors. It usually takes them about 5 minutes to stop crying before they get interested in the objects in my Cozy Corner. They love to "read" the books and listen to the music usually with the blanket.
I have a few screamers in my class. I let them go there and scream into the pillows to get their "big" feelings out. I tell them when they've screamed it out we will talk when they are ready. For the screamers, stompers, and those that "pitch a fit" the other students are told to ignore that behavior. Without an audience the out of control child soon loses interest.
Very important tip:
When they come out of Cozy Corner they are usually exhausted. Be sure to ask if they'd like water and then LISTEN to what they have to say. If they are stuck using their words use LEADING QUESTIONS. Most importantly be sure to emphasize that while you LOVE them you don't like their BEHAVIOR or CHOICES. Be sure they know their is a difference. Many children don't.
Hope this helps. Sorry I got long-winded in my advice. I'm very passionate about this subject.
Good luck!
Debbie
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Deborah Cutshall
Vonore TN
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-09-2019 07:29 PM
From: Georgia Wallace
Subject: Children that fall Out
Hello everyone !
I have a child in my classroom that literally throws himself back from a standing position to the floor, he will fall out backwards many times if he cannot take a toy from another child, have his way or hit other children. I have discussed this with his guardian and I try not to give it too much attention, but I do try to address this when he does it telling him that I care for him and that all he has to do is find another toy or get a similar toy. Using some kind of positive redirection with him.
could you all please tell me what are some things that you all do to redirect this type of behavior?
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Georgia Wallace
Owner/Operator
Happy & Learning Child Development Center ,LLC
Milwaukee WI
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