[vc_row padding_top_multiplier=”” rc_link_color=”primary-1″ rc_link_hover_color=”primary-6″][vc_column][crocal_title heading_tag=”h2″ heading=”h5″ margin_bottom=”20px”]Facilitating opportunities for learning and development through nurturing emotional intelligence. Adopting an approach centred on mindfulness can be key.[/crocal_title][vc_column_text]At Nursery Story we know that life isn’t always a bed of roses when dealing with little ones. There can be challenging behaviour, some of which can be a little overwhelming, even on good days. With that in mind we thought we’d explore this tricky subject a little further and share some of our favourite strategies to promote positive behaviour in your early years setting.
Every early years group is different, just like every child is. It’s little wonder things don’t always go to plan when you throw learning and meal times into the equation! When looking to promote positive behaviour in your setting though, there is one thing we recommend above all others: learn. Learn as much as you possibly can about each individual child because this will help you understand their behaviour, what they’re actually telling you and what they’re communicating through their actions.
Why Does Behaviour Matter at Such a Young Age?
If we want children to be creative, to problem solve independently, to wonder, to challenge, then surely we must accept there will be hiccups along the way. But why do these ‘hiccups’ occur? Well, most frequently, it’s because the child feels their emotional needs aren’t being met. It’s important to ask ‘why?’ not only of the child but of the teacher too. What could be done differently to keep the child engaged?
Answering these questions will go a long way to developing how a child is able to manage and regulate their feelings, something that will stay with them as they progress through primary and secondary school and even beyond. However, you may find success by making sure that expectations of the child are developmentally appropriate. Impulse control is likely to be much more of a factor with toddlers than those aged 4-5 when children are generally better at both expressing themselves and controlling their impulses. Recognising where a child is on their developmental journey is crucial for everyone involved.
Catch Them Being ‘Good’
This is one of our favourite techniques. Giving children attention for specific positive behaviours you see is a great method for helping a child understand their actions and seeing the consequences of them. Most children love attention. This is one way of satisfying that craving whilst reinforcing positive behaviour.
Quiet Time not Time Out
If a child is displaying challenging behaviour then it’s not uncommon for a period of reflection to be warranted. However how this is framed can be significant. Firstly, it should only ever come after a warning. If the child is moved away from the group then it should be to a warm and comfortable place where they are paired with a staff member.
Adopting a Mindful Approach
Children exist almost entirely in the present moment, so enabling them to find ways to be more in control of it is a beneficial trait. There is undoubtedly a link between practicing mindfulness and children understanding their feelings. Considering that the range of emotions a child experiences tend to be very intense, then it’s clear mindfulness has its place in EYFS. The National Day Nurseries Association suggests two brilliant activities to promote mindfulness within children.
Toy Breathing – good for younger children. Get them to lie on their backs and balance a toy on their tummy – a Duplo block works well. Talk the children through breathing slowly in and out, pointing out the toy goes up when they breathe deeply, and down as they breathe out. Can they make the toy go even higher and lower next time?
Eating mindfully – use a raisin or something else with an interesting texture. First get the children to hold the raisin, noticing how it feels. Then look carefully at it in their fingers/palm. Move on to smelling the raisin, breathing in deeply through the nose. Now put the raisin in your mouth and feel the texture before chewing it. Swallow the raisin and notice how it feels in your throat. Can you follow it all the way down into your stomach?
The Benefits of Mindfulness
In our experience (and we see a lot in nurseries!), integrating mindful techniques into the day-to-day routines of a nursery can be transformative for children, staff and parents. Starting the day with a mindfulness exercise (such as those listed above) can create an atmosphere where everybody is a little bit more aware of their feelings and emotions. Once fully implemented, you’re also likely to see a strengthening of relationships between staff and children.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
