Understanding how best to support strong-willed children is an important question in education. In today’s episode, Megin Ruston, an adept educator and online course facilitation manager, delves into the challenges and strategies associated with teaching strong-willed children. With her expertise in early childhood education, Megin provides insightful explanations of how temperament impacts behavior and classroom dynamics.

The discussion encompasses strategies to identify rigid traits in toddlers and preschoolers, practicing flexibility and cooperation during calm moments, and fostering emotional literacy. She also addresses the importance of setting boundaries and behavior expectations in the classroom, handling challenging behaviors, and promoting self-regulation. The episode wraps up with Megin emphasizing the crucial role of positive reinforcement and acknowledgment in the classroom and the importance of practice for educators.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:01:38] The definition of a strong-willed child
• [00:03:13] What temperament means and how descriptions of temperament have changed
• [00:08:30] Why having a strong will is not necessarily a bad thing
• [00:09:43] The difference between a cooperative child and a compliant child
• [00:13:57] Thinking about what a child’s behavior means
• [00:15:38] Flexibility as a strategy for children with more rigid tendencies
• [00:21:05] Setting boundaries as a teacher
• [00:27:10] What happens when the student and teacher share a temperament
• [00:29:14] Acknowledging the importance of every teacher

Resources

Megin Ruston