5/17/01
Question 101
Dear Preschool
Teacher,
I work in a preschool with four and five year
olds. There is a child who has been taking things from the classroom
(beads, small manipulatives, etc.) The parents are very supportive and
make the child return the items to us. This child is the youngest in
the class (turned four on the first day of school) and nothing we do
seems to get the message across that this is unacceptable. Both the parents and I have tried talking to him about
this, but he seems to be too immature(?) to comprehend. Any ideas?
Taking Things
Dear Taking Things,
I had two kids do this in my class at the beginning of the school year. Between me saying that it was wrong and they couldn't take home preschool toys and sending a note home to their parents about this problem, the problem seemed to go away. Each day after free time, I would ask each child if they had any toys in their pockets and I would look closely to see if I could see anything. One parent actually sent their child to school in clothes that had no pockets. That way the child could not stuff anything with toys.
Peg
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Taking Things,
It's good that the parents are supportive
and have the child return the toys. I might suggest if the child
does take a toy that they not be allowed to play with it at home.
Be consistent!
Maybe ask them at the door if they
forgot and have any toys in the pocket to leave at school. Have
parent check the pockets when they pick up the child. It could
be a maturity issue, so hang in there! Be loving, but firm.
Kris
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
Dear Taking Things,
This is a difficult concept for young
children to grasp. They like the toys and want them at home too.
The best thing to do is just keep having him return things that go
home. Always remind him that others miss the toys when they leave the
room. Maybe check him before he leaves with a hug and a quick
"frisk". Be careful not to let the other children know
what
you are doing. These reputations are hard to live down even when
outgrown.
Jackie
"Ask The Preschool Teacher Staff"
