I have a grandchild with special needs. My grandchild has hard-wired issues but what is learned by children is how people respond to him/her which either leads to more similar behavior or moderates the behavior because the child's needs are met (the adult understands his issues and responds appropriately). A young child, especially one with challenging behaviors or special needs, may display behaviors that are disruptive because he/she may not be able to articulate and communicate his/her needs or what is bothering him/her. The adult has to do a lot of reflection and analysis about a child's behavior, especially disruptive behavior, to establish an environment that moderates this behavior. An excellent book that explains the process of how children learn behaviors through their interactions with people and their environment is:
Purkey, W. (2000). What students say to themselves: Internal dialogue and school success. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press
Purkey discusses a concept that he calls "the whispering self", a concept, of which we should all be aware.
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Nora Krieger
Associate Professor Emerita/ Chair NJEEPRE
Bloomfield College/ New Jersey Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
Highland Park NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-28-2019 08:17 AM
From: Alisha Alford
Subject: Disruptive behaviour
Jack,
I strongly disagree with your statement that "all behavior is learned". As a mother of a special needs child and teacher, I believe that behavior (especially what many would term "disruptive" behavior) is communication. For example, a child who is routinely making loud noises during circle time - I question what we are doing and expecting, is it developmentally appropriate? If so, in what ways can we help this child.
Alisha
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Alisha Alford
Teacher
Falls Church VA
Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2019 10:03 AM
From: Jack Wright
Subject: Disruptive behaviour
Catherine, I think that you're getting some excellent advice here. I would just add for you to remember that all behavior is learned and that your job is teaching better responses, especially to situations that frustrate children or make them anxious.
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Jack Wright
Child Development Consultant
Success With Children
St Ignatius MT
Original Message:
Sent: 04-25-2019 03:38 PM
From: Catherine Akpan
Subject: Disruptive behaviour
Hello everyone,
I am currently reading up on how to manage disruptive behaviour in my classroom. Useful materials will be appreciated. I have just completed the readings on 'promoting young children's social and emotional health' on the naeyc site. Looking forward to your responses.
Many thanks
Catherine
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Catherine Akpan
Teacher
Education
FCT
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