Differences between the two early childhood educators' reactions:
- Approach to conflict
- Focus on positive reinforcement
- Engagement with children
What are the differences and impact?
Approach to conflict: Johia calmly redirected the children's behavior by asking them to pour the water slowly and quickly, while Clara immediately resorted to closing the water table as a punishment.
Focus on positive reinforcement: Johia praised the children for playing well and expressed her intention to reopen the water table in the afternoon, emphasizing positive reinforcement. Clara, on the other hand, focused on negative reinforcement by threatening to close the water table again.
Engagement with children: Johia actively joined in the children's play and engaged them in conversation, while Clara observed from a distance and interacted with the educator at the water table rather than directly with the children.
The impacts:
Setting up the environment: The presence of multiple containers and blue food coloring in the water table in Shala's room likely contributed to the children's engagement and enjoyment.
Observing the children: Johia's observation of the children enjoying themselves and pouring the water slowly and quickly allowed her to provide positive reinforcement and redirection.
Joining in the play: Johia's active participation in the children's play helped to maintain their interest and engagement, and her positive comments encouraged them to continue playing cooperatively.
In contrast, Clara's approach of lecturing the children and threatening to close the water table created a negative atmosphere that ultimately led to conflict and the closure of the water table. Her failure to observe the children's behavior and engage with them in a positive manner prevented her from effectively managing the situation.
Complete question:
Scenario 2 This is what happened in Shala's room. The children are 24-36 months old. Shald arrived at the child cere program when free play was just starting. Four children were playing in the water table beside Shala's partner lohia. The table was away from the wail with blue food colouring and several containets inside. Johia was asking the children it they could fil the containers with water and dump them back in again. Several of the children were laughing as they dumped the water back in the table. lohia commented to the children, "I really like the way you pour the water slowly and quickly bock into the table." Shala leaned over the table and commented to the childeen, tyou all lock ike you're having funt Rernember, when you've finished here wash your hands and poin us for snack." Slowiy, Johia had the children take uf their agcons and wash their hands and join the other children at the shack table. She said. *rou alf played really well at the water table. T will opes it again this afternoon."
Scenario 1 This is what happened in Ciara's noom. The children are 24-36 months old. Clara arrived at the child care program when free play was just starting. Five children were squeezed around the water tabie placed against one wall. In the water table there were three containers and a yellow boat. As she came closer, the early childhood educator at the water table said to the children. "I told you before, if you don't play nicely, IJI have to close the water table againt" Clara knew there had been problems since the table had been set up, so she continued to watch. The children at one end of the table were pushing each othar as they tried to reach over the edge to the toys. Then three children began to fight over the boat. One child eventually pushed another, crying began, and the early childhood educator came over and closed the water table. She said to therr. "It's time for snack anyway!" She turned to Qura and said, "I really don't like the water table no matter what type of learning occurs. Ifm keeping it closed until the children can behavel"
What are the differences between the two early childhood educators' reactions? How did setting up the environment, observing the children, and joining in the play make a difference in the situation?