Hard Joys and Energy Zones

In her Exchange article, "Hard Joys: Behavior with a Creative Mind and a Playful Spirit," which serves as the basis for the Exhange Out of the Box Training Kit by the same name, Lilli-ann Buffin explores ways to support children experiencing difficulties.  One example...

"Sometimes a child's difficulties will be expressed in a physical release of tension.  There are those children who spit, bite, yell, or want to.  Others will hit, slap, pinch, or want to.  And yet others will run, stomp, kick, or want to.  Claudia Jewett has described these as 'energy zones.'  Recognizing a child's energy zone opens the door to creative problem solving by redirecting the energy but continuing to use the child's preferred 'zone.'

"If you allow your mind to wander through the energy zones, a lot of creative, even fun, solutions begin to emerge. Instead of getting into a battle of words with a child whose energy zone is in her mouth, why not say, 'You have a lot of energy in your mouth right now.  Try chomping on a carrot (or sipping water through a straw, or singing into the tape recorder . . . ) to get it under control.  Then we can calmly find a solution to this problem.'  The child who has so much energy in his legs and feet that he cannot rest might respond to a furry strip at the bottom of his cot on which he can rub his bare toes.  The child whose hands are getting him into trouble could stop and fold some washcloths.  Giving children time and a task to get their emotional energy under control can be more positive and meaningful than time out alone.  It also gives the child insight about her energy zone and ideas for gaining control when you are not present."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site