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Children hitting Behaviors

🗣️ SOP: Helping Children Use Words Instead of Hitting When Angry

Purpose:
To guide teachers in preventing and responding to aggressive behavior by teaching children appropriate emotional expression and problem-solving skills in moments of anger or frustration.

Scope:
This SOP applies to all teaching staff working with children who may display physical aggression (e.g., hitting, pushing) and need help learning emotional regulation and communication skills.

 

✅ Step-by-Step Guidelines for Teachers

1. Teach Social-Emotional Skills Proactively

  • Daily Lessons: Integrate lessons on feelings, self-regulation, and friendship skills using books, puppets, role-play, and visuals.

  • Emotion Vocabulary: Teach words like “angry,” “frustrated,” “sad,” and how they feel in the body.

  • Calm-Down Strategies: Practice calming techniques daily (e.g., breathing, quiet corner, stress balls, “safe place”).

Use phrases like:
“It’s okay to feel mad. It’s not okay to hit. Let’s find another way.”

 

2. Use Visuals and Prompts

  • Emotion Cards or Charts: Use visual aids to help children identify their feelings and choose coping strategies.

  • Problem-Solving Posters: Display a “What to do instead of hitting” chart in the classroom.

Examples:

  • “Use your words”

  • “Walk away”

  • “Ask a teacher for help”

  • “Breathe like a dragon”

 

3. Respond Immediately and Calmly

  • Separate and Soothe: Calm both the child who hit and the child who was hurt.

  • Stay Neutral: Use a calm, firm tone and simple language.

“Hands are not for hitting. Let’s keep everyone safe. Come sit with me.”

  • Acknowledge Feelings: Validate their emotion while correcting behavior.

“You were angry. It’s okay to be angry, but it’s not okay to hurt others.”

 

4. Coach Replacement Behaviors

  • Teach What to Say: Help the child practice phrases like:

    “I don’t like that.”
    “Stop, I’m mad.”
    “Please give it back.”

  • Practice the Moment: Use role-play or social stories after the incident to review what could be done differently next time.

  • Reconnect: Make sure the child repairs the relationship (e.g., “check on your friend,” draw a picture, apologize when ready).

 

5. Document and Monitor

  • Track Incidents: Log aggressive behaviors using incident forms or behavior trackers.

  • Look for Triggers: Note any patterns in environment, time of day, or social situations.

  • Communicate with Families: Share concerns and strategies with parents in a supportive, solutions-focused manner.

 

🎯 Director’s Role in Supporting Staff

  • Provide Tools: Supply classrooms with emotion charts, calming kits, and scripted social stories.

  • Observe and Coach: Help staff identify root causes and adjust the environment (e.g., crowding, transitions, unmet needs).

  • Model Conversations: Support teachers in conducting calm-down coaching conversations.

  • Facilitate Referrals: If aggression continues, guide staff through behavior support plans or referrals for additional services.

 

Sample Script for Teachers to Use:
“Let’s take a deep breath together. I see you’re upset. When you’re mad, you can say, ‘I need space.’ Let’s practice that together.”