Early childhood teachers are usually clear of their work with children while they construct understandings of their world. However, when children behave in ways that upset us, we tend to do things to them, by delivering rewards and punishments.
In other words, our practices for responding to children’s thoughtless behaviours are incompatible with our teaching practices and beliefs.
(Porter, 2016, p. 1)
You’re required to reflect on what behaviour is and utilise one of the theories of behaviour that you have been introduced to in the unit to date.
You’re also required to discuss different behaviours displayed by children in learning environments and formulate reasons using a learning behavioural theory, with examples where possible.
Keep in mind there may be multiple contributing factors as to why different behaviours may occur.
Then, you are also required to examine what policies and practices are appropriate to maintain positive learning environments. Policies refer to Belonging, being & becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Links to an external site.) (Department of Education and Training, 2019), or another relevant policy framework, e.g. the National Quality Standard (Links to an external site.) (ACECQA, n.d.).
In your essay you’ll need to:
Consider the quote you have chosen and identify possible behaviours, teacher responses and other influences that are relevant to the quote
Consider young children’s behaviour and formulate reasons why children behave in certain ways based on the theory you have chosen
Demonstrate an understanding of the various principles, policies and practices used to maintain a positive learning environment.
Choose one of the following learning behaviour theories:
humanist theory
psychodynamic theory
cognitive theory
ecological theory
sociocultural theory.
Your essay should apply the following structure:
