Module 10 – Chapters 13 & 14: Prosocial/Attitudes Discussion

Addressing the Children

Ms. Johnson should use a calm and educational tone when addressing the children. For example, she could use the following tone, “I understand that you are very curious about your bodies, which is very normal, but we are supposed to keep our bodies private. Bathrooms should not be used to play games to ensure that everyone’s space is respected, which makes everybody comfortable:” Module 10 – Chapters 13 & 14: Prosocial/Attitudes Discussion.

The concept of privacy could be introduced by asking children to respect each other and avoid commenting on what others are wearing because it could make them uncomfortable. Children should be asked to play with respect for each other. These concepts could also be introduced using storybooks to show boundaries where everyone understands the simple concepts.

Engaging Parents

Ms. Johnson should use a non-judgmental and reassuring tone to communicate these incidents with the parents. For example, she could address the parents by saying, “It has come to our notice, and we have seen some behaviors in some of our children that reflect childhood curiosity, which is very normal. You can visit the American Academy of Pediatrics and read about early childhood behaviors and development.”

The teacher could also share important workshops and books on body safety and childhood development with the parents to help reinforce these behaviors at school and home. For example, It’s My Body by Lory Freeman is vital to share with parents and can help reinforce healthy and positive childhood development (Patty, 2020).

Classroom Environment

Ms. Johnson could consider implementing and using structured lessons when teaching boundaries and body safety, which could be enhanced through role-playing and engaging in age-appropriate activities (Kostelnik et al., 2016). When children engage in free play, the teacher can increase supervision to assess what the children do and their behaviors. In addition, setting clear rules on using the bathroom could help reduce the occurrence of such behaviors in the future. Lastly, the teacher can use posters to remind students to respect boundaries and privacy.

References

Kostelnik, M. J., Soderman, A. K., Whiren, A. P., & Rupiper, M. (2016). Guiding children’s social development and learning. Cengage Learning.

Patty, C. (2020, September 24). It’s my body | read aloud [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9eGI0Y-Bwc

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Sexuality and Exploration in Early Childhood Environments

One of the most uncomfortable moments I’ve ever had as a director was speaking with a parent about their son (age 4), who had a fascination with viewing the private parts of friends. Somehow, it’s always during the spring-fever season! When we dig and study early childhood development, we learn that these behaviors for young children – although uncomfortable, can be a normal part of development.

Part of what we do when educating children is also educating parents. Keep this link from the American Academy of Pediatrics handy. I’ve sent it out to parents and families many times over the years.

Read this article. KEEP IT HANDY. YOU WILL NEED IT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Sexual-Behaviors-Young-Children.aspxLinks to an external site.

This is an extremely uncomfortable topic. If you are in any form of early childhood leadership, you will address this as a director or lead teacher. Children are naturally curious. But what is normal and what is not?

Our Scenario:

During free play in a preschool classroom, Ms. Johnson notices two 4-year-old boys have walked away from the block center. She hears giggling and laughter from the bathroom. The boys are in the bathroom pulling down their pants and giggling while looking at each other’s genitals. They seem curious but are not being aggressive or inappropriate beyond their exploration.

Later that day, on the playground, another incident arises when one of the same boys stares at a girl climbing the slide and loudly says, “I can see your underwear!” The girl seems confused and tells Ms. Johnson, “He keeps looking at me!”

Ms. Johnson recognizes that these behaviors are typical forms of early childhood sexual curiosity, but she understands the importance of addressing them calmly and thoughtfully. She wants to teach the children about boundaries, privacy, and respect in an age-appropriate way that supports their healthy development. At the same time, she needs to communicate effectively with the parents to ensure they understand the situation and can reinforce these lessons at home.

Discussion Questions:

1. Addressing the Children: (100 Word)

• What specific words or strategies should the teacher use when addressing the boys’ bathroom behavior and the boy’s comments on the playground to ensure the conversation is both educational and age-appropriate?
• How can Ms. Johnson introduce the concepts of privacy and personal boundaries in a way that resonates with preschool-aged children?

2. Engaging Parents: (100 Word)

• How can Ms. Johnson effectively communicate these incidents to the parents in a way that reassures them while also promoting healthy conversations about body respect and boundaries at home?
• What resources (e.g., books, guides, or parent workshops) could Ms. Johnson share to help parents address early childhood sexual exploration in a constructive and supportive way?

3. Classroom Environment: (100 Word)

• What changes or proactive measures can Ms. Johnson take in the classroom (e.g., structured lessons, increased supervision, clear rules) to create an environment that encourages healthy exploration while ensuring all children feel safe and respected?

Points Breakdown: (50 Total)

• Initial Post (Answers all 3 questions with detail; 300 words total minimum): 30 points
• Peer Responses (3 required using ABC Method; 100 words per response requirement): 15 points
• Professionalism and Tone: 5 points

________________________

After posting your original response, read other postings and post a response to at least three classmates using the following ABC Approach. Each peer response should be a minimum of 100 words.

REQURED ABC Method for Peer Responses

1. Acknowledge: Summarize and recognize your peer’s main points to show understanding.
2. Build: Add value by expanding their ideas with additional examples, insights, or resources.
3. Challenge: Respectfully pose a question or alternative perspective to encourage further discussion.
   

   Module 10 – Chapters 13 & 14: Prosocial/Attitudes Discussion

RESPONSE SAMPLE: This is a 100-word response in ABC format.

1. A) I agree that Liam’s behaviors are challenging for the teacher and the classroom. I worry about the blowback that may happen if another child gets hurt in the classroom and they know he has such outbursts. Or, what if licensure walks in, Liam runs out of the room, and the class is unattended? That could cause safety concerns, major fines, licensure reports, and a public relations nightmare.
   B) I think involving an early intervention specialist, as you mentioned, could also include a parent education component to address the family’s resistance. I must research what specialist could see a child without a parent’s permission.
   C) We do disagree with the way the school should interact. They should do more, or the teacher will quit, which would be worse than the family leaving. Should the principal enforce stricter boundaries with the parents if Liam’s behaviors threaten classroom safety? I wonder what their reservations may be about intervention. Do you see certain families are hesitant to make the referral?

Discussion posts should always be thoughtful, meaningful, and courteous.

We must strive to consistently achieve professionalism, even in discussion posts. For assistance, visit the MUW Writing Center or use apps or tools like Grammarly. As an educator, your grammar, sentence construction, and spelling matter!

Questions about how this will be graded? VIEW THE RUBRIC FOR Discussion Board Assignments!