Listening to Young Voices: Noticing Emerging Behavior Challenges
This episode of the Mindful Turtle Podcast originally aired October 6, 2024. To receive podcast updates and other nature-based early childhood education news, subscribe to Samara Early Learning’s weekly newsletter written by Dr. Rachel A. Larimore.
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In this week’s episode, Dr. Rachel Larimore suggests that by observing and addressing challenging behaviors early, educators can maintain a balance of calmness and engagement, promoting a nurturing learning atmosphere.
Rachel invites listeners to note any emerging behavioral patterns in their students and reflect on the necessary supports. In doing so, educators contribute to a consistent, mindful environment that nurtures children's growth throughout the school year.
Challenging behaviors are children's way of voicing their unmet needs. For instance, a child's distress at drop-off might signal a need for reassurance of familial support, or discomfort like tight boots can manifest as tears. The key takeaway is that these behaviors are often a communication of needs rather than mere disruptions.
With classrooms moving beyond the initial chaos of a new school year and finding a normal rhythm, educators may notice subtle behavioral patterns that suggest when, how, and why certain actions occur. Rachel encourages educators to adopt a curious mindset and examine the behaviors themselves, as well as the times they occur, in order to gain insight into the triggers, allowing for tailored support for children.
Here’s how you can take action:
Engage in intentional observation
Cultivate a curious mindset
Implement collective supports
For even more information, check out the episode!
