The Power of Guidance: Teaching Social-Emotional Skills in Early Childhood Classrooms

by Dan Gartrell

Childcare providers and teachers in preschool and primary grade settings will greatly value the collection of writings in The Power of Guidance: Teaching Social-Emotional Skills In the Early Childhood Classroom. The writings provide a concise yet multi-faceted overview of the guidance approach used with this age group. The book examines the differences between patience and understanding and between misbehavior and mistaken behavior, important distinctions that must be made in order to understand and deal with various behaviors using the guidance approach. Readers also will learn the components of an encouraging classroom and strategies for maintaining it, leading to non-punitive approaches for classroom management. One chapter puts particular focus on intervention strategies with boys, a topic readers often seek out. The book has the distinction of being selected as a comprehensive member benefit for the NAEYC for 2003.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Parenting, Psychology

208 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2003

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book outlines how early childhood teachers can use guidance techniques, such as conflict management, guidance talks, and classroom meetings, to solve conflict in the classroom, rather than relying on traditional discipline/punishment. I appreciated the emphasis on shifting our thinking away from "misbehavior," which implies making a moral judgement about a young child's character, and instead thinking in terms of "mistaken behavior," which implies that children will naturally make mistakes on the path of development. Overall, I found the ideas practical and capable of being realistically integrated into an early childhood classroom.

[Majicaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any teacher in an early childhood classroom. It is so important to think about how you approach children in situations where their behavior is needing guidance. Packed full of important information, it is a must read and will be read by all staff memebers at my school.

[Tony Laplume · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve got problems.

One of this book’s defining terms is “mistaken behavior.” Maybe it’s because I came into childcare after the term “challenging behavior” became vogue, but it just sound so much better. To call behavior “mistaken” is to excuse it, and everyone involved in perpetuating it. I don’t believe a book that continually demonstrates “fixing mistaken behavior” by actually trying to make an effort with the child in question understands the situation well enough. “Challenging behavior” labels it exactly as it is, as a choice a child makes. They may be responding poorly to a bad situation, but far too often the system seems apathetic to the root problems, which are either in the home or with caregivers who are themselves “mistaken,” or even “challenging,” and that’s a systemic failure.

So much of what this book attempts to address could be solved with involvement, real involvement, and since it’s directed at caregivers, then it’s a direct call for a need for caregivers who are consistently putting in the effort. It doesn’t take an expert (if any are actually in evidence within these pages) to realize that if you’re not paying attention to a child, they’re going to notice, and do whatever they can, good or bad, to get it.

Far more problematic is a whole chapter the book itself acknowledges as a bridge too far, labeling an entire sex as trouble. Seriously. You don’t even have to read it in this review to figure out which one. How did anyone think this was a good idea? Why are you telling struggling caregivers that they’re right to be frustrated when you’re validating their “mistaken” beliefs?

I mean, there’s valuable material in here. But the whole thing needs a massive revision. Or just have someone write a better book, and pull this from training material. Please.

[Treycaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives great tools for your belt in early child education and care.

[Emily Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent resource for parents and teachers

[Joni Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually put on here books I read for school, but this book was so wonderful on guidance, I felt that every mother should read it. It has a wonderful chapter on dealing with boys that I would recommend to any mother of boys. A really great book and an easy read!

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for early elementary teachers. It is a book I wish I had read before beginning my teaching career!

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to guide children rather than discipline or punish. Behavioral management and how to deal with all sorts of conflictual situations in child care settings.

[Kay Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING! If you work with young children, it is a must read!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my mind! I have a deeper understanding of patience!