Responding to Spirited Children

02/05/2007

Responding to Spirited Children

You are not born all at once, but by bits.
- Mary Antin

In her Exchange article, “Responding Professionally and Compassionately to Challenging Behavior,” Karen Stephens offers these suggestions for “Responding to Spirited Children”:

Maintain a predictable daily schedule. Privately warn children of changes in routine.
Give children simple, step-by-step directions when guiding them through activities or routines.
Because these children get overwhelmed when given too many choices, limit the number of activities offered at one time in one area.
Work in small groups as much as possible.
Make a concerted effort to make your classroom less overwhelming and stimulating. Rotate toys and materials. Leave more white space on walls. Keep noise and voice levels steady.
Make sure all activities are developmentally appropriate. Successful experiences with hands-on materials is especially important for these children.
Create cozy, secluded corners (inside and outside) so children can remove themselves when necessary from the overstimulation of group living.
Rehearse any changes that can be anticipated. For instance, before a field trip, role play procedures that will be followed.

Karen’s article, “Responding Professionally and Compassionately to Challenging Behavior" is available for for free on our website. To view her entire list of tips for responding to spirited children, you will need to click on the “Print this article” button.

185 Parenting Exchange Articles on One CD

Karen Stephens has written 185 Parenting Exchange articles which provide practical advice for parents on the joys and challenges of the contemporary family. You can have this entire library of articles at your fingertips to use in your newsletter, to print or e-mail, and share with staff and parents whenever your parents need advice: The Complete Parenting Exchange Library!

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.