This is a constant battle in any toddler classroom, and as someone above said, whoever solves it DOES deserve a Nobel prize!
I agree with everything that others have said- document, look for patterns & triggers, get help (extra staff or services), etc.
What I didn't see addressed as much was your question about supporting the child who got bit. Both of my own children were 'the biters' in their toddler stage, and in return both have had their share of bites inflicted upon them. As a toddler teacher in my former life and now as a director, this is something I've worked with for many years. I highly recommend teaching children how to stand up for themselves and expressing emotions- and not just in the moment. At circle time, play time, centers, etc- talk with children about sharing, asking for space, what personal space is, and it's ok to say 'no'.
- No, you don't have to give the toy to your friend this second, but when your done please share.
- A friend is in your space? Tell them "No, I don't like you being that close"
- A friend is hurting you? say "no-that hurts"
It's important to teach and model these skills early, often and before it's needed in play.
After teaching these skills, and you see a particular child is still getting hurt more frequently than peers, observe that child a little closer. We had a child a few years ago who gravitated toward the biter and often chose to play with the bitter and was bit more just because they were together more. Earlier this week, we had a child get bit twice in an hour because he would wait for the teachers (there were 2 of them, engaged with the group and next to him) to turn and help another child, then shove his hands in a friends face and the child bit him in self defense. In one case, we couldn't really figure out why one girl was getting bit more frequently, so we were able to move her to a different classroom and the biting stopped.
I didn't see anyone else mention this, but I love using books and stories to help teach young children. There's a great book that I recommend to parents all the time called "Teeth are not for biting" -it's part of the Better Behaviors series (which are all great). It's about $5 on amazon. It uses simple phrases and pictures and helps children identify what teeth can bite (apples, food...) and what they shouldn't bite. If you have toddlers, I highly recommend this book be in your classroom library and read frequently.
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Sharon Bligh
Spencerport NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-21-2018 07:13 AM
From: Mary Fitzgerald
Subject: Supporting those who get bit
Biting is a common issue in child care. Recently we have had more little ones with SPD and anxiety that increases behaviors that are challenging.
What happens when one child seems to be the recipient of most of the bites in a young toddler room. Of 8 children, it seems that one has been bitten by 3 at least a dozen times within a 10 month period. The children who have more biting incidents as the "biter" have been assessed and are receiving appropriate services.
What do you do for the child who keeps getting bit? I wonder how much of it is a teacher and environment issue? Of course the parents are upset as their child has been bit so often. Assumptions are made that it is only a "biter" problem.
Would like to hear the thoughts and perspectives of others....
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Mary
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