How transitions and significant events may affect behaviour. Unit 7 – Supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development.

How social learning theory informs practice in promoting positive behaviour, to include role modelling.   How operant conditioning is used to change behaviour in early years settings Rewards Star charts Intermittent reinforcement. The advantages and disadvantages of operant conditioning techniques. 

The effects of transitions and other significant events on behaviour: Many children will be looked after by several adults over the course of a week. While some children can manage a number of transitions, it is not always ideal and sometimes can create disturbances in children’s behaviour. It is worth remembering that every transition brings a new environment or a different relationship as well as different expectations from adults.

Some children navigate transitions well, but other children will struggle to ‘belong’ or to remember the routine and expectations of each setting. In addition, if there are any difficulties within the child’s own family, this will make it particularly hard for the child to show positive behaviour.

How can difficulties with transitions affect a child’s behaviour? Be uncooperative Display aggression. How can difficulties with transitions affect a child’s behaviour? Have difficulty in concentrating. Be restless. Seek attention. Be withdrawn. Have emotional outbursts.

Supporting children: If we feel a child is struggling because of the transition they are making or because of the significant event that has affected them, what should we try? Supporting children:

Social cognitive theory and positive behaviour: Bandura’s work on social cognitive theory (social learning theory), has many implications for helping children to show positive behaviour. His work shows the importance of children learning from adults, simply by observing them – this is why many setting’s’ policies will have clear guidelines for staff conduct such as showing respect and manners and not shouting or being aggressive towards children.

Bandura? What did he say? Examples?

In addition: Social learning theory explains why toddlers and young children will not automatically to able to behave in the same way as adults. Social learning theory suggests that several elements have to be in place at the time of the modelling, including an appropriate level of development of the child. It is important that children repeatedly see others showing attitudes such as kindness, friendliness and thoughtfulness, they seem to eventually model these behaviours as they grow and develop.

In small groups of 2/3, create a spider diagram answering the question below. Use additional research to support your answers. You can use your phones for internet access. How does social learning theory inform practice in promoting positive behaviour including being a role model?

Using social cognitive (learning) theory: Page 312 in your text books.

Advantages and disadvantages of operant conditioning in changing behaviour: Positive reinforcement. Intermittent reinforcement. Unexpected rein forcers. p313 Advantages Disadvantages

Case study: A day nursery is having difficulty with a 3 year old child who keeps climbing on the table at lunch time. The other children laugh when he does this. On some days staff are quick to stop him, on other days they do not react quickly to stop him, but on other days they do not react or decide not to pay attention. After a couple of weeks, staff realise this is becoming an issue and that what started as a ‘one- off’ behaviour has become a daily occurrence and that the child tries to climb even when staff are ready to stop him. The manager suggests that the staff should use a different approach. She suggests that instead of having lunch at the table, a picnic mat should be put on the floor. The children are all very excited by this and the child is given the job of putting out the plates. Lunch goes very smoothly. How was the child’s behaviour being reinforced, and by whom? Why was this an example of intermittent reinforcement? How was ‘changing the script’ used as an approach and why did it work?

Not reacting to children: Operant conditioning suggests that in situations where there is no negative or positive reinforcement, behaviours may disappear. This is the basis of the advice that there may be times when we should not react to children’s behaviours but turn away instead. This is effective is children are seeking attention by using inappropriate behaviours such as hitting your arm or threatening to tip a bucket of bricks on the floor. While this is a very effective method of working with young children, it also takes a little practice on the part of parents and practitioners, as quite often our ‘natural’ reaction is to respond to the child. This unfortunately gives children eye contact and a reaction, which can ironically act as a positive reinforcement.

Star Chart Start charts are very popular as a way of changing children’s behaviours. They can work well, but only if they are used when children are developmentally ready and also if they are designed well. Ready or Not? What age does this work? What is the reward? Do children understand them? Do they support a change in children behaviours?

Explain how to develop relationships with children in early years settings that support their personal, social and emotional development. Explain why discriminatory behaviour and attitudes should be challenged in early years settings.   You must include reference as to how theories and models of self-esteem development apply. Assess the success of particular techniques or approaches being used to support a child’s personal, social and emotional development in relation to early years practice. You will then need to evaluate the techniques and approaches that early years professionals take in supporting a child’s personal, social and emotional development.   You should identify at least three techniques or approaches that are being used. You could think about and include: What techniques have worked? How has this been proven? What techniques have not worked and why? You could use observations or examples from settings to present reasoned conclusions about the effectiveness of the techniques and approaches adults take in supporting a child’s personal, social and emotional development. You can then highlight any differences across the age ranges and with reference to accepted best early years practice.

Any questions?