The Active, Fiesty Child

10/03/2003

"The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." - William James, The Principles of Psychology

THE ACTIVE, FIESTY CHILD

In the curriculum newsletter of the High/Scope Membership Association, Extensions (March-April, 2003; www.highscope.org), Shannon Lockart offers these thoughts on working with "active, fussy, or fiesty children":

"Only about 10 percent of children are considered active, fussy or fiesty. These children can be difficult at some times and very enjoyable at others. They are usually active, have intense emotions, are easily distracted and sensitive to stimuli, and have irregular moods. They let us know 'loud and clear' when they are pleased or displeased. Ways to offer support for these children include: 1) acknowledging their feelings even when they are the ones taking the item from another child or harming another child; 2) being flexible and adapting to their needs, such as recognizing that an infant who bites may be hungry or teething; 3) being attentive to those children who are highly sensitive to touch, noise or bright colors so that by assessing the environment and providing calm surroundings these children will find comfort and be less emotional; and 4) letting children know when a transition will happen."

For a storehouse of curriculum and child development ideas and strategies, check out the "Beginnings Workshop" staff training materials at www.ChildCareExchange.com.

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