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