Introduction
Biting is a common developmental behavior in toddlers, particularly noted between 18 months and 3 years. This review explores the roots of biting, including developmental, emotional, and environmental factors, and details the Montessori strategies aimed at managing this behavior effectively.
Developmental Causes of Biting
Toddlers often engage in biting due to limited verbal communication abilities, using it as a mechanism to express needs or emotions when they cannot articulate them. Exploration and sensory investigation of their environment also contribute to this behavior, particularly in educational settings like Montessori schools.
Montessori Strategies for Managing Biting
Observation: Educators meticulously observe children to identify triggers or patterns of biting, gaining insights into the contexts in which biting occurs (Hay et al., 2014).
Prepared Environment: The environment is structured to minimize stress and frustration, featuring age-appropriate materials that cater to the needs of toddlers, thus reducing incidents of biting (van der Ploeg et al., 2012).
Modeling Appropriate Behavior: Adults and older children in Montessori settings demonstrate positive ways of expressing feelings and resolving conflicts, providing role models for younger children (Patil, 2016).
Consistent Routine: Stability and predictability in daily routines help toddlers feel secure and less anxious, which can decrease biting behaviors (van der Ploeg et al., 2012).
Language Development: Encouraging the development of verbal skills gives toddlers alternative ways to express their emotions and needs, reducing the propensity to bite (Hay et al., 2014).
Positive Reinforcement: Positive behaviors are reinforced, encouraging toddlers to adopt non-aggressive forms of interaction (Patil, 2016).
Immediate and Calm Intervention: When biting occurs, educators respond promptly and calmly, guiding the child towards understanding that biting is unacceptable and offering alternative behaviors (Hay et al., 2014).
Conclusion
The Montessori approach to managing biting in toddlers employs a comprehensive strategy that includes observation, environmental preparation, and proactive behavioral modeling. By understanding and addressing the underlying causes of biting, Montessori educators can provide effective interventions that reduce such behaviors and promote a healthier developmental trajectory for toddlers.
References
Hay, D., Waters, C. S., Perra, O., Swift, N., Kairis, V., Phillips, R., Jones, R. M., Goodyer, I., Harold, G., & Thapar, A. (2014). Precursors to aggression are evident by 6 months of age. Developmental Science, 17(3), 471-480.
van der Ploeg, E. S., Eppingstall, B., Camp, C., Runci, S., Taffe, J., & O'Connor, D. (2012). A randomized crossover trial to study the effect of personalized, one-to-one interaction using Montessori-based activities on agitation, affect, and engagement in nursing home residents with dementia. International Psychogeriatrics, 25, 565-575.
Patil, M. (2016). Aggression and Frustration Level of High School Children in Relation to their Montessori and Traditional Method of Education. International Journal of Scientific Research.
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