Understanding children’s stages of development can be helpful in avoiding confrontations that result in the need for punishment. This week and next week we will look at some behaviours that children exhibit at different ages and suggest responses. You can also read about child development to help you better understand why children behave the way they do.
Behaviour at age five
At age five children tend to be calm, well-adjusted, friendly and loving. They want to please and do the right thing but are not yet able to admit to wrongdoing and do not always tell the truth.
Response
Tell the child what is expected of them and what will not be allowed. Prevention will be more effective than punishment. At this age, children are so eager to please that there should be relatively little need for punishment.
Behaviour at age six
Six year olds are very emotional. Their moods change from one moment to the next. At this age there is much confusion between the child and others. Six year olds may demand, rebel, argue, or fight one moment and be cheerful, energetic, and enthusiastic the next.
Response
Children need a lot of praise at this age, but their behaviour often makes you more likely to criticise. Criticism will make the behaviour worse. Exercise patience. Ignore refusals, rebellion and demands. Instead, try hard to find something to praise. Avoid confrontations and give in now and then, especially if it will lead to a positive behaviour or learning experience.
Behaviour at age seven
At seven, children tend to be quiet, serious, self-absorbed, moody, worrisome and suspicious. They may feel disliked or that others are picking on them. Seven year olds are easily distracted and pay attention only for short periods of time which makes it seem as if they are disobedient.
Response
Have children do simple activities, tell him or her in advance and make sure he or she heard and understood the directions. Remind the student before he or she forgets and does something else. Help them to stay focused and give small rewards for successes.
Behaviour at age eight
By eight, children are vigorous, dramatic, curious, impatient, and demanding. They are not as moody as at age seven, but still sensitive. They want more time, attention, and approval. They are now very interested in and concerned about their own possessions.
Response
Give instructions in ways that are acceptable to the student. Time, attention, and approval are good motivators. Use problem-solving activities as a means to develop abstract thinking. Give small rewards for successes.
(Adapted from UNESCO’s Positive Discipline in the Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Classroom: Embracing Diversity: Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Environments Specialized Booklet 1 A Guide for Teachers and Teacher Educators)
