I went from a relationship with challenging behavior that was filled with intimidation and humiliation to one of confidence, meaning, and even joy.
What caused this shift?
I put play - and puppets - at the heart of my challenging behavior approach.
I’m pretty sure I don‘t need to tell you that young children love to play.
It’s what makes preschool children tick!
In fact, some of the challenging behavior you experience might even be that children are “playing around” when they’re not supposed to be.
Because play is what young children like to do best, knowing how to capitalize on young children’s love of play is essential for a successful and non-punitive approach to “challenging behavior”
That’s why teachers who are consistently successful with kids who exhibit challenging behavior don’t just use the recommended challenging behavior prevention strategies but they also weave the power of play into everything they do in order to skillfully and easily motivate children, keep them engaged and even teach them how to self-regulate and get their needs met without tantrums or aggression.
I don’t mean that they let children play all day! (Though maybe some do). I mean they are playful and play-powered in all that they do.
Trying to prevent, address, and transform challenging behavior without capitalizing on children’s love of play is like trying to drive a car without gas.
You could tow the car or push it and you might occasionally get lucky enough to be at the top of a hill but generally speaking you won’t get where you want to go without the essential ingredient that powers you to where you want to go
Yet, most approaches to challenging behavior don’t capitalize on children’s love of play.
Now, I’d love to hear from you…
What's one way you’ve used play, puppets, or playful teaching to prevent, address or transform challenging behavior?
Let me know in the comments below!
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