Self-Correcting Children

Tim Graves, M.S.Ed.

As teachers in early childhood programs select materials for their classrooms, they look for items that serve a clear purpose. Blocks, balls, and classic open-ended toys are one type of equipment that staff purchase or make. Another type is equipment that is "self-correcting." Self-correction means that the toy only works one way or indicates a mistake intrinsically. For example, the square peg does not fit into a round hole in a well-designed shape sorter. (You must be careful in purchasing materials because--believe it or not--many square pegs will fit into round holes.) Watch a toddler or preschooler using a shape sorter, s/he will try each block and when it doesn't fit s/he moves on to the next hole. No adult intervention is necessary as the child processes this information and "self corrects."

Just as a self-correcting toy indicates when a mistake is made, children often indicate when a parenting or teaching mistake is made. Sometimes, however, we do not notice what our children are telling us. A number of months ago when I was going through a difficult time, I did not pick up on the signs that my daughter and son were giving me. My daughter avoided me, she carried an attitude around with her as Linus carries his blanket, and she was very unhappy. My son was clingy and trying to please at every turn. Once, I noticed the changes in my children, I was able to adjust my behavior and self-correct. Their behaviors almost immediately changed.

If we reflect on the behavior we observe in our children we may be able to fix the problem. If we do not pay attention, the problem will likely persist. I met with a group of teachers a few years ago. We discussed the behaviors of a child. The four of us agreed that this child was exhibiting aggressive behaviors as a form of communication because his vocabulary was inadequate. Had we stopped there, our intervention strategy would have been doomed. Instead, however, we took our hypothesis and observed the child. The teachers jotted down all the words they heard the child using over the course of a day or two. To our surprise, this child had a very extensive and age appropriate vocabulary!

Sometimes, we need to step back, watch, and let the self-correcting characteristics of children guide us.

©Copyright, 1997 Timothy R. Graves.  All Rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce for use with parents and families of young children is granted provided no financial gain is involved and this copyright notice is included. Mr. Graves would appreciate any feedback and knowing how and when you use this document. Please let him know by writing Training Wheels for Early Childhood Education at 1981 Decatur Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 or sending an e-mail to timgraves@trainingwheels4ece.com. Additional articles and handouts can be found at www.trainingwheels4ece.com