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

2. 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

3. Temperament Characteristics Activity Level Slow -------------------------------------Fast

4. Temperament Characteristics Rhythmicity Regular--------------------------------Irregular

5. Temperament Characteristics Approach-Withdrawal Cautious-----------------------------Impulsive

6. Temperament Characteristics Adaptability High----------------------------------------Low

7. Temperament Characteristics Intensity of Reactions High----------------------------------------Low

8. Temperament Characteristics Threshold of Responsiveness Low, quick-----------------------High, slow

9. Temperament Characteristics Mood Pessimistic------------------------Optimistic

10. Temperament Characteristics Distractability Low---------------------------------------High Attention Span Lengthy--------------------------------Limited

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

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

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

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

15. Other Kids Have their own unique combination of temperament characteristics.

16. 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