Podcast

Cindy and Priscilla discuss a temperament trait that is commonly associated with challenging behaviors in early childhood settings: activity level. While we often think first about a child who is really busy, children who have a low activity level need adaptations to the environment as well in order to have successful experiences. Listen to this podcasts for some strategies as you think about children and their movement in your programs.

We will begin a series of podcasts on the major temperament traits that can relate to challenging behaviors at times. In the first podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel talk about how temperament traits impact each of us as adults including our perceptions and relationships. When we consider children, we need to realize that they also come to us with a unique blend of the 10 temperament traits that influence their interactions with others. The more we understand ourselves and the children we work with, the more likely we will be to avoid some of the challenges that come with the extremes of temperament.

In this podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss the struggle that can sometimes arise between the early educator and a child in finding the balance between limit setting and power struggle. Some children can literally ‘run’ the program—how does this happen and how does the staff regain control? Priscilla shares some real life examples that can help shift the balance again.

Building on the foundation of play skills from Part One, this podcast will examine children who can’t seem to settle into play activities or, conversely, the child who doesn’t want to leave a center or a particular toy. How can the early educator intervene to ensure that a child feels safe and secure but also is building important peer relationships? Inclusion consultant Priscilla Weigel will share some strategies that can help children settle into play.