Learning Objectives Develop age appropriate activities to support emotional development Select emotional development learning experiences and resources Analyze learning environment/emotional development experiences Facilitate emotional development learning experiences Examine theories of emotional development Determine emotional development teaching strategies Evaluate emotional development learning experiences

South Central College CDEV Social Emotional Development Temperament: An In-Depth Look Temperament: An In-Depth Look

Nine Temperament Traits Activity Level Rhythmicity Approach/Withdrawal Adaptability Sensory Threshold Quality of Mood Intensity Distractibility Persistence

Activity Level High Low

Biological Rhythms Regularity Irregularity

Approach/Withdrawal Approach Withdraw

Adaptability High Adaptability Low Adaptability

Quality of Mood Positive Negative

Intensity Low High

Sensitivity Low High

Distractibility High Low

Persistence High Low

Importance of Understanding Temperament “When we truly understand temperament, we can plan and implement specific changes in our work with children. These alterations can improve the goodness-of-fit between the children and their environment, reducing stress and improving adjustment.” ~ Behavioral-Developmental Initiatives

Temperament FAQ’s Does temperament change over time? Does birth order affect temperament? Are there gender differences in temperament? Are temperament traits “good” or “bad”? How do temperament & ADD/ADHD relate?

Temperament Traits: Ages & Stages

Avoiding Temperament Pitfalls Catering to the Child Inequality Demeaning Labels

The ADAPT Method Improving the “Goodness of Fit” A- Adjust your Attitude D- Deal on a Daily Basis A- Active Approaches P- Positives not Punishment T- Take Time Off

3 Main Temperament Clusters Slow-to-Warm (Fearful) 15% Need more time to adapt. Easy (Flexible) 40% Generally happy, content. Difficult (Feisty) 10% More active and vocal.

Thought to Ponder… We cannot change the wind, but we can adjust our sails.