Parents taught guidance strategies
Dacia Brewster
News Writing Student
Building good relationships with children starts first by building a stable foundation and understanding the different developmental stages of children, said Jane Humphries, a child development expert with the Oklahoma State Health Department.
Humphries spoke Feb. 25 to a group of students and parents at OCCC.
The age range she focused on at the workshop was from birth to 5 years old, although most of the techniques taught may also be used on older children, she said.
Humphries gave the group several positive guidance strategies including talking respectfully, redirecting the focus away from the bad behavior, and setting reasonable rules for young children.
The most important point Humphries made was for parents to have patience.
Humphries also talked about learning styles and how they change depending on the age of the child.
”Figuring out a little bit earlier rather than later is very helpful and helps you realize what you’re up against,” she said about understanding a child’s learning style.
Humphries summarized common learning categories.
First is the looker, she said. This category of children learn best from observing: monkey see, monkey do, Humphries said.
Then, there is the listener. Humphries said these children learn from hearing information and instructions that are being spoken to them.
Last is the mover.
She said these children tend to be the most misunderstood children who are often labeled “hyper” and “overactive.”
This group of children learn best when they are constantly moving, for instance, rubbing their hands on a textured surface or playing with a stress ball, Humphries said.
Teaching these children to be anchored to an activity can be tough but accepting the children for who they are is important, Humphries said.
Most of the workshop participants were either students of early childhood education or were already working in the field.
One parent, John McLeod, said he came because he learned of the workshop through his job.
He has a 12-year-old daughter and his face lit up with pride while talking about her straight As on her report card and her first year playing basketball at her school.
“I think it’s great that the college provides these free lectures on how to deal with our children better,” McLeod said.
Two more workshops are planned for this semester, in March and April.
March 25 will be a workshop about language and literacy.
The workshop in April will cover childhood obesity. The exact date for this workshop has not yet been set.
These workshops are held at OCCC and can benefit parents and students who want to better understand their children.
For more information, call the OCCC Child Development Center and Lab School at 405-682-7561.
