I wish I was kidding.
I have a class of 6 children. 5 of which are boys. For a quite awhile now we've had a biting issue, which I've been trying to address with teethers or drinks of cold water. We read the "Teeth Are Not for Biting" book several times a day. During group time we talk about how our friends are not food, how we should hug instead hurt; I offer high-fives for good choices. I've tried re-arranging the room, putting out more sensory items, changing up the toys - anything I can think of.
It has only made things worse. I literally cannot get anything done without one child bulldozing the other down and biting them in the back. I cannot corral them for circle time, to sing songs, work on sign language, or even do art. This is a huge problem considering I work for a NAEYC accredited program and there are curriculum expectations. This week, the violence has intensified; it started with one child and now 3 of the 5 boys are doing it. They are hitting me in the face, pulling off my glasses, biting me and LAUGHING. I have been asking my Center Director for help for at least a month now to no avail, and this new development has me ready to walk out.
I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. And I don't know how to correct the behavior; redirection doesn't work, I can't seem to get them back on to a schedule due to the constant chaos, and it just absolutely breaks my heart. I loved my job, and now I'm breaking down in tears every night at home, and have to force myself to go back to work in the morning. I am so fed up and frustrated. Any suggestions?
I have a class of 6 children. 5 of which are boys. For a quite awhile now we've had a biting issue, which I've been trying to address with teethers or drinks of cold water. We read the "Teeth Are Not for Biting" book several times a day. During group time we talk about how our friends are not food, how we should hug instead hurt; I offer high-fives for good choices. I've tried re-arranging the room, putting out more sensory items, changing up the toys - anything I can think of.
It has only made things worse. I literally cannot get anything done without one child bulldozing the other down and biting them in the back. I cannot corral them for circle time, to sing songs, work on sign language, or even do art. This is a huge problem considering I work for a NAEYC accredited program and there are curriculum expectations. This week, the violence has intensified; it started with one child and now 3 of the 5 boys are doing it. They are hitting me in the face, pulling off my glasses, biting me and LAUGHING. I have been asking my Center Director for help for at least a month now to no avail, and this new development has me ready to walk out.
I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. And I don't know how to correct the behavior; redirection doesn't work, I can't seem to get them back on to a schedule due to the constant chaos, and it just absolutely breaks my heart. I loved my job, and now I'm breaking down in tears every night at home, and have to force myself to go back to work in the morning. I am so fed up and frustrated. Any suggestions?
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