How do you encourage a misbehaving child to pay attention to the task at hand?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"Here are some ways to encourage a misbehaving child to pay attention: - Ask them to help you complete a hands-on task
- Be a guide versus a disciplinarian. If they trust you, they will respond more positively
- Give positive reinforcement when they do behave such as a smile or clapping for them
- Prevent scenarios where misbehaving is an option. Remove temptation!
- Meet them at their level when talking to them. Crouch down and don't yell from across a room
- Rather than a time-out space, create an alternative learning space that is quieter"

Ryan Brown · Answer

Since you are a well-educated individual in the field of early childhood development and education, this answer should come very quickly to you. If you have a particular method or even a specific example, be sure to discuss this.

This question is open-ended, so be careful to avoid rambling. Keep your answer to the point. It's also a great idea to ask the interviewer which method they encourage in these instances. Their reply will help you to determine further whether their childcare center is a fit for you.

Ryan Brown · Answer

"I believe that all children are inherently good, and they want to behave, but there may be a variety of factors causing their lack of attention. I use the respect, respond, reciprocate method when working with misbehaving children. Children respond best to adults they trust and to which they have an attachment. Kids gain attachment through consistently positive responses and feedback. So, I respect their feelings, they respond through trusting me, and I reciprocate the trust by not micromanaging or disciplining them, but by guiding them gently."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"I have found that many times when a child is misbehaving, it is because they are experiencing sensory overload. For that reason, I create multiple 'time-in' spaces where a child can choose a quieter corner in the room with a pillow and a book, or a small table with an age-appropriate puzzle. They are welcome to come back into the group when they are ready. This method reinforces their right to learn, at a pace on their own, if they aren't feeling the group setting that day. Could you share with me your methods for encouraging distracted students?"

Anonymous User · Answer

"I make sure that my lessons are engaging and inviting so that children want to be a part of it. If a child is misbehaving or not participating, I may choose to ignore the behavior. However, If the child is disruptive, I may look at the child or point to our class rules poster, but I do not like to stop teaching. If the child behavior continues, I may ask the child to take a time out, and then I'll review the rules with them. Once I know the reason for the disruptive behavior. I like to give the child an acceptable solution which I model, and we practice together. But sometimes, the reason for misbehavior is the teachers' fault. The child may be unable to complete the task or misunderstood the directions. In that case, I need to modify my teaching so that the child can be successful."

How do you encourage a misbehaving child to pay attention to the task at hand?

How to Answer: How do you encourage a misbehaving child to pay attention to the task at hand?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Preschool Teacher job interview.

24. How do you encourage a misbehaving child to pay attention to the task at hand?

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