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Director, Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
It is important to note that anger is a feeling and that aggression is a behavior. Children exhibit anger in ways other than through aggression. For example, they may withdraw from interactions with other children or adults, or they may cry. In addition, children demonstrate aggression for a variety of reasons other than anger. They may be aggressive because they want a toy another child has, they want attention, or they want to play. Given these variations in behavior, it is not possible to provide generic strategies for dealing with children's anger or aggression. Rather, dealing with these behaviors requires a responsive process that includes understanding why children exhibit the behavior, teaching children more appropriate ways to communicate, and using a team approach.
Want to learn more about this important topic? Here are some great resources on aggression and anger in young children for early childhood teachers!
Web Resources
- Handling Aggression
Aggressive behaviors are learned. The following suggestions will help caregivers nurture self-esteem in young children and reduce aggressive behaviors.
http://www.nncc.org/Guidance/dc14_handl.aggression.html - I'm So Mad I Could Scream
Knowing more about anger can help the child care provider work with the angry child.
http://www.nncc.org/Guidance/cc41_mad.scream.html - Childhood Aggression: Where Does it Come From?
How Can it be Managed?
What are the origins of aggression and how can caretakers help?
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/human/pubs/aggression.html
Editor's note: This url has changed:http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/pdfs/fcs_504.pdf - Challenging Behaviors
This publication looks at some of the more common challenging behaviors that caregivers face and suggests management strategies.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/human/pubs/nc10.html Editor's note: This url has changed:http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/pdfs/NC10.pdf - Dealing with the Angry Child
Parents and teachers can help children learn to cope with their feelings of anger and to express them appropriately.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/family/350-021/350-021.html - Aggression in Child Care
In child-care settings, young children often are not actually angry, just focused on getting their way and unaware of others' feelings. Child-care providers can redirect these assertive impulses.
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,4744,00.html - Aggression and Cooperation: Helping Young Children
Develop Constructive Strategies
http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1992/jewett92.html - Violence and Young Children's Development
http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1994/wallac94.html - Helping Young Children Deal with Anger
http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1997/marion97.html
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search for ERIC resources on this topic, try the descriptors "infants" or "toddlers" or "preschool children" AND the descriptors "aggression" or "anger."
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=advanced
- ERIC Document No.: ED452449
Brainworks: Birth to Kindergarten--The Aggression Component. A Question/Answer Workbook
Author(s): Lipelt, Kathy; Bonilla, Carlos A.
Publication Date: 2001
Availability: ICA, Inc., 1020 N. Commerce, Stockton, CA 95202 ($9.95 plus $4, shipping and handling). Tel: 209-460-0622
Abstract: This document takes a look at the roots of aggression. Topics addressed include: the reasons to study violence in very young children; the role of discipline in reducing or increasing violence tendencies; the role of pre-school play in preventing aggression and violence; and the role of the media in eliciting aggressive behavior. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ572313
Mothers' Reactions to the Aggressive Play of Their Aggressive and Non-Aggressive Young Children: Implications for Caregivers
Author(s): Landy, Sarah; Menna, Rosanne
Source: Early Child Development and Care, v138 p1-20 Nov 1997
Abstract: Examined differences in reactions to children's aggressive play of mothers with aggressive or nonaggressive preschoolers. Found that mothers of aggressive preschoolers were more likely than other mothers to stop aggressive play, make value judgments, withdraw when aggressive play occurred, and make no effort to join or modulate the play. Findings pose implications for child caregivers responding to aggressive play. - ERIC Document No.: ED415977
Aggression: Using Children's Stories with Conflict Themes To Help Four-Year-Olds Deal with Aggressive Behaviors in the Classroom
Author(s): Pappas, Roseann
Publication Date: 1997
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage
Abstract: There are many behaviors that young children must deal with, one of these being aggression. One strategy teachers can use to help children deal with aggressive behavior is reading children's stories with conflict themes. Contains a bibliography of 15 recommended children's books with conflict themes and 12 references. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ559267
The Efficacy of a Response Cost-Based Treatment Package for Managing Aggressive Behavior in Preschoolers
Author(s): Reynolds, Larissa Kern; Kelley, Mary Lou
Source: Behavior Modification, v21 n2 p216-30 Apr 1997
Abstract: Examined the effectiveness of a response cost treatment package for improving the classroom behavior of four aggressive preschoolers. Teachers removed smiley faces and reprimanded children contingent on aggressive behavior. Results indicate that this method substantially decreased aggressive behavior and was a highly acceptable classroom treatment to teachers and parents. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ534664
Aggressive Behavior in Preschoolers' Social Networks: Do Birds of a Feather Flock Together?
Author(s): Farver, Jo Ann M.
Source: Early Childhood Research Quarterly, v11 n3 p333-50 Sep 1996
Abstract: Examined influence of gender, behavioral style, social competence, reciprocal friendships, and social clique membership on naturally occurring aggression in preschoolers. Found that variations in aggression were associated with behavioral style and social competence and that children within cliques were similar in frequency of observed aggression. Indicated that efforts to decrease children's aggression might target groups rather than individuals. - ERIC Document No.: ED392546
A Practical Guide to Solving Preschool Behavior Problems. Third Edition
Author(s): Essa, Eva
Publication Date: 1995
Abstract: Focusing attention on possible underlying causes of a child's misbehavior, this guide uses a situational approach for solving specific behavior problems that commonly occur with young children. Each behavior is discussed in a separate chapter, with step-by-step recommendations provided to correct the problem. - ERIC Document No.: ED389464
Improving Prosocial Skills through Developmentally Appropriate Strategies and Activities in a Prekindergarten Classroom
Author(s): Conway, Dana
Publication Date: 1995
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC03 Plus Postage
Abstract: By means of a series of educational activities over 8 months, this practicum study sought to institute a prosocial curriculum for preschool children. The curriculum was meant to teach trust, autonomy, and skills for handling aggressive feelings. Exposure to violence is a difficult force to counteract; however, activities which communicate the consequences of violent behavior can decrease this behavior. Children developed prosocial skills, gained in emotional development, and increased their abilities to cooperate and to resolve conflicts peacefully. - ERIC Document No.: ED389396
Decreasing Aggressive Behavior and Increasing Alertness in Preschoolers through a Family Education Program and Video Lending Library
Author(s): Lewis, Angela G.
Publication Date: 1995
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage
Abstract: This paper reports on an educational program designed to teach parents about the role of television in their children's lives and to increase use of a family video lending library intended to enhance alertness in students, decrease aggressive behavior, and educate parents. The results of the program show that parents increased their knowledge about appropriate television viewing for preschoolers. Behavioral records indicated that aggressive behavior among the children decreased while alertness increased. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ505522
Redirecting Aggressive Play
Author(s): Ramos-Ford, Valerie
Source: Texas Child Care, v19 n1 p2-6 Sum 1995
Abstract: Discusses play as preparation for life, and the role of aggressive play. Provides guidelines for caregivers to help children modify their aggressive play, and for working with parents to help reinforce positive, prosocial behavior in children. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ489519
Cooperative Games: A Way to Modify Aggressive and Cooperative Behaviors in Young Children
Author(s): Bay-Hinitz, April K.; And Others
Source: Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, v27 n3 p435-46 Fall 1994
Abstract: Aggressive and cooperative behaviors of 70 preschool children were measured during game conditions and subsequent free-play periods. Cooperative behavior increased and aggression decreased during cooperative games and free play; conversely, competitive games were followed by increases in aggressive behavior and decreases in cooperative behavior. - ERIC Document No.: ED395682
Skillstreaming in Early Childhood: Teaching Prosocial Skills to the Preschool and Kindergarten Child
Author(s): McGinnis, Ellen; Goldstein, Arnold P.
Publication Date: 1990
Availability: Research Press, 2612 North Mattis Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821 ($15.95)
Abstract: Teaching prosocial behavioral alternatives at an early age may enhance a child's personal development and help prevent more serious difficulties in later childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. This book provides classroom teachers and others working with young children with a guiding strategy and concrete techniques for instruction in prosocial skills. "Managing Behavior Problems," describing a six-step management plan with techniques for dealing with problematic behaviors. - ERIC Document No.: ED365739
Second Step: A Violence-Prevention Curriculum. Preschool-Kindergarten (Ages 4-6). Teacher's Guide
Publication Date: 1991
Availability: Committee for Children, 172 20th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 ($245; volume discounts available. Price includes two puppets, a song tape, video, and photo cards)
Abstract: "Second Step" for preschoolers and kindergartners is a curriculum kit designed to reduce impulsive and aggressive behavior in young children and to increase their levels of social competence by teaching skills in empathy, impulse control, and anger management.
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