Observation & DevelopmentChapter 4

Emotional DevelopmentNita Thomason Ed. D.

Emotional DevelopmentNature or Nurture?

Do you think emotional development is primarily a function of genetics or environment?

Parenting StylesAuthoritarianPermissiveAuthoritativeNeglectful

Emotions of PreschoolersDistressAngerFearSadnessSurpriseInterestAffectionJoy

Goal of Preschool Teacher

To help children develop emotionally, the preschool teacher should be

concerned with promoting positive responses and teaching management

of inappropriate responses.

Helping Children Manage Inappropriate Emotional Reactions

Remove or reduce the cause of the emotionDiffuse the child’s negative response by

allowing him to “let it out” through crying, talking, or transferring his feelings into nondestructive actions.

Offer support, comfort, and ideas for self-control.

Model controlled behavior yourselfGive children the opportunity to talk about

feelings in a nonemotional setting.

Principal Causes of Distress in Child Care SettingSeparation from motherPhysical discomfort/painRejection by peersDissatisfaction with performanceStressful family situation – birth of new baby,

death, hospitalization, a move, or a divorce

Relieving StressGive comfortAllow child to cryRedirect attentionHelp the child to verbalize – through play, art,

or drawing

AngerThe emotion that results when we are

physically or psychologically restrained from doing something, frustrated in our attempts, interrupted, personally insulted, or forced to

do something against our will.

What acts of aggression might a teacher of preschoolers expect in her classroom?

Ways to redirect an angry childPound playdohThrow beanbagPunch pillowPound hammerListen to music

Hit tetherballKick soccer ballUse rhythm band

instrumentsFinger painting

Fear/AnxietyRemains calm in difficult or

dangerous situations

Overcomes Sad Feelings in Appropriate Manner

Demonstrate SympathyProvide a Quiet SpaceGive the Child TimeTalk Privately to the ChildRead a Book

Young Children Cope with DeathMajor Concepts of Death

irreversible and permanentlife functions stopeveryone must die

Helping Young Children CopeFunerals

Surprise/StartleHandles sudden

changes/startling situations with control

Shyness/Shame

Does not withdraw from others excessively

Helping the Shy ChildFocus on the child’s strengthsDo not dwell on shynessPair with another childWork with the parents

Shows fondness, affection, connection, love toward others

NearnessTouchNonverbal cuesVerbal affirmations

Shows interest/attention in classroom activities

Joy and Humor

Smiles, seems happy much of the time