INFER RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS
Objective 6.02

FIRST THINGS FIRST

What does it mean to infer? or to make an

inference?
Infer: deduce or conclude (information) from
evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit
statements.

GENERAL GUIDES FOR RESPONDING TO

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

Ignore minor misbehaviors

Offer choices

Coach appropriate behaviors

Distract and redirect

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: NEGATIVISM
Accept negative behaviors except
those that violate health and
safety rules
Communicate in words and tone
that you expect cooperation
Give the child time; avoid
hurrying him/her

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: STEALING
Remember that preschoolers do not understand
mine and yours
Avoid lecturing or asking why the child took
something
Make the child return what was taken
Set a good example by respecting others property
rights
Minimize opportunities for stealing
Consider a policy that toys may not be brought
from home

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: ANGER

Discourage hurting behaviors

Stop young children immediately who try to
hit one another
Hold the childs hand while you say why you
are doing so
Ignore outbursts if there is no threat to
anyones safety
Redirect anger through activities such as
finger-painting
Provide noise outlets (drums, music) to
relieve strong feelings

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: BITING

Keep playtime simple for children who bite

Limit the number of children who play with

those who bite or isolate biters

Respond quickly and use comments to

prevent biting

Never allow children to bite back

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: TATTLING
Ignore tattling
whenever possible
Encourage tattlers to tell other children what they need
to say
Provide daily one-on-one time for listening

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: EXPLORING THE BODY

Do not shame children;

guide them away from
public displays
Firmly tell child in private
that behavior is
inappropriate

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: THUMB-SUCKING

Give the child a pacifier

Avoid pulling the thumb
out of the mouth abruptly
- accept and ignore it

RESPONSE STRATEGIES FOR SPECIFIC

BEHAVIORS: FEAR

Understand childrens fears

and take steps to help them
be less afraid
Ignore negative words and
actions when they are the
result of fear