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Disruptive behaviour

  • 1.  Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-25-2019 03:38 PM
    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

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-26-2019 01:40 AM
    I have a small group so disruptive behavior means EVERYONE lol. I use Yoga to help us calm down and Mindfulness techniques to help with breathing and try reading quiet books that help bring us back to a calmer place. Then we talk about why we are all upset or doing what we are doing. We talk about other ways to get attention. Or we just go outside and play lol.  The Yoga Book I use is Good Night Yoga by Mariam Gates, and Mindfulness videos and yoga activities from Cosmic Kids Yoga. Let the kids lead the yoga movements sometimes. Then again I work with ages 2-5. So if your kids are older some of this may or may not work :) Good Luck!

    ------------------------------
    Temesha (Ms. Tessie) Ragan
    Family Child Care IF Facilitator
    Perfect Start Learning
    Family Child Care Provider
    Edwards, CA
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-26-2019 03:33 AM
    Hello Temesha,
    Thanks for your response. Yes, I work with 4 years old and do not have a group of disruptive students but 1 (which can feel like a lot sometimes, if other children decide to imitate). I am doing this reading based on school research to report back. So I'm looking out for good and informative literature.
    Thanks again

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 06-03-2019 08:42 PM
    Wow!  Thank you so much for sharing this information with us.  I have been in the field for years and have never heard of the author Mariam Gates until your post.  Her books are awesome and really help calm the children I work with down with their behaviors begin to escalate.  The teachers that I have shared the mindfulness videos with from Cosmic Kids Yoga report great success with them as well.  Again, thanks for sharing these wonderful resources with the rest of us.

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    Tanya Williams
    Zebulon NC
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  • 5.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-26-2019 07:24 AM
    Hi Catherine,

    Here are a few things that have been helpful for me:

    • Book: The Behavior Code by Jessica Minahan & Nancy Rappaport
    • Book: Prevent, Teach, Reinforce by Dunlap, Wilson, Strain & Lee
    • Website: www.challengingbehavior.org
    • Social-emotional curriculum: Al's Pals
    • Use of early childhood positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS)

    I hope this gives you a few new resources! They've been very helpful for me! :)

    ------------------------------
    Sara Cross
    Teacher; Director
    Serendipity Preschool
    Norwalk IA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-27-2019 02:57 PM
    Hello Sara,
    Yes, thank you. I will read through the resources. I am sure they will be as beneficial to me as they were to you.
    Many thanks,
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-26-2019 03:58 PM
    I belief the first thing educators need to do when working with children with disruptive behavior is to look at the possible cause of the behavior or the trigger. Once we have identified the cause for a behavior, we can start developing an individual as well as a group behavioral prevention/ intervention plan. We (teachers) need to include ourselves in this process. Many times unconsciously, we can be the trigger or we can cause a behavior to escalate rather than diminish. Behavior=communication. 
    S.P.

    Sent from my MetroPCS 4G LTE Android device





  • 8.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-27-2019 03:10 PM
    Hello Tori,
    I found myself nodding as I read your post. You have made very good points and observations. The child who I am observing for this report has an IBP which I review every two weeks. He has made good progress so far but will benefit from some more support. I am also considering the consequences of my responses towards this behaviour and how/when they have been effective to inform my next steps.
    I appreciate your feedback.
    Thanks,
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 10:14 AM
    Sent from my iPhone




  • 10.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-27-2019 04:03 AM
    I got this really useful book at the NAEYC conference last year. From free spirit press, Uncover the roots of challenging behavior: create responsive environments where young children thrive.

    ------------------------------
    Socorro Cordova
    New York NY
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  • 11.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-30-2019 05:35 PM
    Hello Socorro,
    Many thanks, I am sure that I will benefit from reading through this book.
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-27-2019 10:04 AM
    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.

    ------------------------------
    Jack Wright
    Child Development Consultant
    Success With Children
    St Ignatius MT
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-27-2019 03:24 PM
    Hello Jack,
    You're right! The responses so far have been great and beneficial. Thank you for responding as well. 
    Many thanks,
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 08:17 AM
    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

    ------------------------------
    Alisha Alford
    Teacher

    Falls Church VA
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 10:20 AM
    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.

    ------------------------------
    Nora Krieger
    Associate Professor Emerita/ Chair NJEEPRE
    Bloomfield College/ New Jersey Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
    Highland Park NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 11:35 AM
    Alisha, I liked Nora's response to your post. It is so difficult to raise a seriously developmentally delayed child. I agree with you that their disruptive behavior is communication, as does Nora. I hope you will consider that your child's behavior is learned. Perhaps a better way to explain it is just that they have behaviors that have not been unlearned. I think that the issue of most importance in this discussion is not to blame either the child or the parent for disruptive behaviors. The primary communication of disruptive behaviors is that the child is frustrated, or even afraid. That requires a soothing response, which I'm sure you are already aware of.

    ------------------------------
    Jack Wright
    Child Development Consultant
    Success With Children
    St Ignatius MT
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 12:31 PM

    Jack and Nora,

    I really appreciate your replies because I think they highlight an area I can really learn more about and I will check out the book she mentions. Also, it serves as a reminder that this is a really hot-button issue for me because of my personal experiences and I need to be aware of how that affects me in and out of the classroom.  I think what I was reacting strongly too was the idea that the very first time a behavior (like screaming at circle time) happens, it was learned.  Seems clear we all agree that the first time it is a form of communication and that from then on, how the adult responds and other factors will create a learned behavior which may continue or end that behavior.  

    Alisha



    ------------------------------
    Alisha Alford
    Teacher

    Falls Church VA
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-28-2019 01:54 PM
    Alisha, you're on the early childhood education team when you know there is more to learn. When the government understands what is needed for excellent early childhood education, and how it saves money, there will be money for mothers like you caring for a developmentally delayed child so that you can have some time for yourself. I've seen it take all of one person's time to deal effectively with an autistic child in a early childhood education setting. They are paid and are free again in six hours or less. It looks like you're needing to do it all: full-time caregiving at home and working with disruptive behavior in your classroom. I hope you are able to find a little time to relax, and some supportive friends.

    ------------------------------
    Jack Wright
    Child Development Consultant
    Success With Children
    St Ignatius MT
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-29-2019 06:06 PM
    I don't have much to add, as I think the previous responses have given great suggestions and resources, especially regarding the need to be reflective on the purpose of the disruptive behavior and also how your response may contribute to it (it always does, the question is how?) 

    I did want to commend everyone for being so professional and respectful in their interchange. It was great to read!

    ------------------------------
    Annika Mehta
    Owner, Story Spark
    Amarillo, TX
    maestramomma.com
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-30-2019 05:05 PM
    You are very right Annika! I must confess that my response has not always been effective as I am sometimes not able to understand the purpose of the disruptive behaviour if it falls out of its usual pattern. I am keeping records in a journal though. I think that it will help me better understand ways to support this child one step at a time.
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-29-2019 12:22 PM
      |   view attached
    Hi Everyone,
       At California LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities), which is a joint program of Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, we have recently written a brochure for preschool teachers. Its purpose is to give teachers some resources to help children with challenging behaviors so the children are less likely to be suspended or expelled. 
       It's got some nice resources in it, so please take a look! I'd also love to hear any feedback you may have on it. It's just a draft--we are in the process of rewriting it--so it's not perfect yet! My email is nhunt@calstatela.edu if you'd rather critique it directly.
       Nancy Hunt, Ph.D.
        Discipline Director, Special Education
        CA-LEND

    ------------------------------
    Nancy Hunt
    Professor Emerita, Special Education
    retired Cal State LA
    Van Nuys CA
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-30-2019 08:55 AM
    Hello Nancy-

    Could you please provide a link to the brochure you mentioned ? Or provide the name of the brochure? I was on the California LEND website and was unable to find the brochure you mentioned in your post!

    Thank you!

    ------------------------------
    Monica Shackelford
    Lead Preschool Teacher
    Conejo Valley Neighborhood for Learning
    Newbury Park CA
    ------------------------------



  • 23.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-30-2019 12:47 PM
      |   view attached
    Hi Monica (you're so close to me)!
        I have added the brochure as an attachment to this post, but I'm unclear about whether it's working. No, the brochure is certainly not on the CA-LEND website since it's a work in progress. If you can't see it, write me directly at nhunt@calstatela.edu. Thanks!

    ------------------------------
    Nancy Hunt
    Professor Emerita, Special Education
    retired Cal State LA
    Van Nuys CA
    ------------------------------



  • 24.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-29-2019 07:04 PM
    Catherine, I have some really good books I acquired at a restorative practices training that I've found quite helpful. Restorative Circles in Schools by Bob Costello, Joshua Wachtel, and Ted Wachtel, and Restorative Practices Handbook for Teachers, Disciplinarians, and Administrators by the same authors. You may be able to buy them online or try the IIRP website (International Institute for Restorative Practices) https://www.iirp.edu/ . The behavior must be addressed but it must be done in a way where the student feels safe and able to communicate his/her feelings, it also helps if the other students are able to communicate the behavior affected them as well. Then discuss how it needs to be corrected but allow the student to make suggestions or come up with ideas and the consequences. 

    Hope this helps,
    Marie




    ------------------------------
    Marie Hall
    RubyMac Learning Academy
    Atlanta GA
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 04-30-2019 04:18 PM
    Hello Marie,
    I appreciate your time and response. I will definitely have a look at your recommended books. I find that children with disruptive behaviour are very good at coming up with consequences for their actions. Whether they understand what they say at the time reflection is unsure. I have observed that they can be selective with their listening as well and are a bit restless when spoken to with too many words but can be very caring at the same time. As Early years practitioners, we will continue to research and discuss ways to enhance teaching and learning and how we can support our students especially those with challenging behaviour.
    Warm Regards,
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-06-2019 04:48 PM
      |   view attached
    Often, unwanted behaviors occur during transition times.  Our classes often have to wait for the bathroom.  We have an older building that does not have bathrooms in the classroom - ughhhh!  

    Meaningful and engaging transitions are important.  Very recently, our teachers installed  a seed wall with a small basket attached to the wall for magnifying glasses.  Seed packets, baggies, magnifying glasses, and basket attached to wall for magnifying glasses were all purchased at the dollar store.  

    See how the children are engaged, rather than waiting!  Unwanted behaviors (hitting, pushing, etc.) occur less often when the children are engaged.  Don't overthink transition activities.  Make them fun!

    ------------------------------
    Cindy Owen
    Executive Director
    New Testament Baptist Ministries
    Monroe NC
    ------------------------------



  • 27.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-06-2019 09:58 PM

    Keeping the children occupied in the hallways while waiting can help minimize disruptive behavior.
    Another idea can be taking children to the bathroom in small groups and according to the capacity of the bathroom or the number of stalls available.  During this time, children in the classroom  continue to have access to specific activities rather than waiting for  a turn.

    Sori 





  • 28.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-17-2019 03:00 PM
    Hello,

    Another excellent resource is The Nurturing Heart Approach because it provides three steps to solving this behavior. 
    Also I tend to see behavior improved when designing the classroom to accommodate the child's individual needs.

    Thank you

    ------------------------------
    Melanie Smith
    The Preschool Doctor
    thepreschooldoctor.com
    ------------------------------



  • 29.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-18-2019 11:01 AM
    Google "Conscious Discipline".  Their web site has some free materials.  Also, there are many You Tube videos to model how to implement these methods of managing unwanted behaviors.

    ------------------------------
    Cindy Owen
    Executive Director
    New Testament Baptist Ministries
    Monroe NC
    ------------------------------



  • 30.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-19-2019 08:54 AM
    Thank Cindy

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Disruptive behaviour

    Posted 05-18-2019 01:01 PM
    Thank you Melanie for the information. My classroom is set up in a continuous provision free flow style to cater for every child's need and interest. So that is why I was wondering if there is something that i could do differently, when within that fun and exciting provision a child hits, bites and spits at other children.
    So far i have benefited from all the contributions and implementing some suggestion to try and manage this behaviour. I am patient and keeping close track. Hopefully there will be a complete turn around.
    Catherine

    ------------------------------
    Catherine Akpan
    Teacher
    Education
    FCT
    ------------------------------