Temperament Presented by Donna J. Habenicht, Ed.D.

What is temperament? “Temperament is the behavioral style of an individual child—the how (manner) of his behavior rather than the what (content) or why (motivation).” Stella Chess

Temperament Characteristics Activity Level Slow Fast

Temperament Characteristics Rhythmicity Regular Irregular

Temperament Characteristics Approach-Withdrawal Cautious Impulsive

Temperament Characteristics Adaptability High Low

Temperament Characteristics Intensity of Reactions High Low

Temperament Characteristics Threshold of Responsiveness Low, quick High, slow

Temperament Characteristics Mood Pessimistic Optimistic

Temperament Characteristics Distractability Low High Attention Span Lengthy Limited

Three Types of Kids Easy Slow-to-warm-up Difficult

Easy Happy, cheerful Adapts easily Smiling and friendly Optimistic Moderately active Cooperative Relaxed, easy going Moderate emotions

Slow-to-warm-up Timid Fearful Anxious Tense Shy Uncooperative

Difficult Very emotional Resists changes Moody Pessimistic Very active Quick trigger temper Fidgets and wiggles

Other Kids Have their own unique combination of temperament characteristics.

Grace in Action “Let the teacher remember that it is those …who have a disagreeable temperament, who are rough, stubborn, sullen, that most need our love, compassion, and help. Those who most try our patience most need our love.” Ellen G. White Counsels to Teachers, p. 267