Understanding the Behavior of Children and Youth

On-site Training Module:

This training will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent unwanted behavior by meeting the physical and social-emotional needs of children and youth before they act out. 

In this training participants will:

  • Understand behavior as purposeful, and learn how to look for patterns in behavior that will help identify possible causes of that behavior;

  • Learn effective behavior guidance strategies or techniques   

Content Overview:

Training Introduction

Participants consider an airplane maintenance analogy that illustrates the purpose of this training module, learning how to prevent the occurrence of problem behaviors in children and youth.

Intro to Understanding Behavior

Participants review the five premises of human behavior that inform our work with children and youth.

  • People are social beings, with a need to belong.

  • People view a situation from their own perspective.

  • People are decision-makers.

  • Behavior is purposeful.

  • Behavior should be understood as a whole, or part of a pattern.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Participants will explore Maslow's hierarchy and will focus on the more basic needs: physical health (physiological needs), security, belongingness, and esteem.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Participants examine scenarios depicting an unwanted behavior. They suggest what can be done to prevent the problem situation from reoccurring in the future, and outline the planning steps can be taken to minimize unwanted behavior.

What Can I Do? Creating an Action Plan

Participants consider how they will apply some of the knowledge that they have gained to their work.

Training Length: 2 hours


eLearning Module

 

Behavior guidance is:

  • The ongoing process of providing guidance toward behavior that is desired and expected from children and youth; and

  • Strategies for preventing problems from occurring 

By the end of this module, participants will:

  • Understand that behavior as purposeful.

  • Learn how to look for patterns in behavior that will help identify possible causes of that behavior.

  • Learn effective behavior guidance strategies or techniques.