chapter six

Chapter 6: Teaching Desirable Behavior Through Example

Overview

• Discipline as a Teaching Activity

  • Emphasis on teaching by example as an effective discipline method.

  • Children learn appropriate behavior through observing admired adults (De Schipper, Riksen-Walraven, Geurts, & Derksen, 2008).

  • Modeling appropriate emotional expression by teachers can reduce discipline issues over time (Willis & Schiller, 2011).

NAEYC Standards Addressed

• Standard 1b: Understanding influences on development and learning.

• Standard 1c: Using development knowledge to create supportive environments.

• Standard 4a: Understanding relationships and interactions foundational to work with children.

• Standard 4b: Knowledge of effective strategies and tools for early education.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the power of modeling as a teaching tool.

• Demonstrate desirable models of behavior.

• Analyze the effectiveness of role models.

The Role of Models

• Social-Cognitive Theory (Bandura)

  • Most behavior is learned by observing others; imitation is part of the cognitive process.

  • Behavior adapts to meet individual goals, not simply mimicry.

• Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky)

  • Emphasizes that social interactions lead to cognitive changes.

  • Imitative learning is one method through which children learn.

Influence of Role Models

• Inappropriate behavior can stem from inappropriate role models.

• Children imitate adults and media figures, leading to antisocial behaviors (Nielson & Christie, 2008; Wilson, 2008).

• Positive adult role models counteract violent influences, promoting desirable behaviors.

Effective Modeling

• Teacher Behavior and Classroom Success

  • Positive disposition correlates with better quality instruction (De Schipper et al., 2008).

  • Teachers who model kindness and respect foster a cooperative classroom environment.

Emphasizing Caring and Kindness

• Children learn empathy and compassion by observing adults.

• Mirror Neuron System: Brain's neural system that influences social cognition through modeling behaviors and emotions (Pfeifer et al., 2008).

• Teachers should model caring behaviors and prompt discussions about feelings.

Teaching Tolerance and Acceptance

• Teacher attitudes towards diversity influence children's attitudes (Vietz & Hildebrandt, 2009).

• Active teaching of tolerance is essential; ignore prejudices leads to failure (Dweck, 2009).

• Celebrate differences to foster acceptance, using resources like Teaching Tolerance magazine.

Strategies for Effective Teaching

• Modeling Acceptance & Understanding

  • Discussing prejudice and acceptance openly can counteract intolerance.

  • Address children's personal difficulties with care and acceptance, especially those at risk of being bullied.

Encouraging Emotional Expression

• Adults should model healthy emotional expressions; suppressing emotions is unhealthy.

• Teachers should demonstrate coping strategies for emotions in a socially acceptable way.

  • Example: Taking a moment to breathe when overwhelmed can teach children to manage their feelings.

Effective Behavior Modeling Techniques

• Apologizing: Acknowledging mistakes demonstrates accountability.

• Expressing Feelings: Sharing emotional responses helps children learn emotional literacy.

• Promoting Problem-Solving: Encouraging children to articulate their feelings and look for solutions.

Importance of Keeping Promises

• Trust is built through consistent actions; teachers should model follow-through with commitments.

• Discussing daily schedules and adapting plans shows reliability to children, fostering similar behavior.

Facilitating Clean-Up and Responsibility

• Modeling clean-up routines teaches children responsibility; actively participating can guide them effectively.

• Use collaborative approaches in clean-up time to provide direct instruction on responsibilities.

Practicing Safety

• Teachers must model safety behaviors that align with verbal instructions (e.g., wearing seatbelts, safe handling of materials).

Encouraging Intellectual Risks

• Teachers should foster a safe environment to allow risk-taking in learning, essential for development and creativity.

• Sharing personal mistakes normalizes errors and promotes a growth mindset (Dweck, 2007).

Adapting to Cultural Norms

• Recognize that cultural differences affect emotional expression; adjust approaches to respect diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

• Adult examples profoundly impact children; fostering a caring environment through modeling promotes positive behaviors.

• Teachers’ awareness of their expression of feelings and behaviors influences children's social and emotional development.