Because young children are so full of energy, it is difficult for them to concentrate, especially if what they're doing isn't of interest to them. If preschool children are required to sit down and focus for the majority of the time in the classroom, it is extremely likely that they'll lose interest and behavior problems will arise. In order to hold the attention of younger children, a steady pace along with routine are very important. When changing activities, the classroom may get chaotic. To avoid this, phrases such as "1, 2, 3, eyes on me," or short jingles will help keep their attention while allowing for a smooth transition to the next activity.
Three-year-old children should be able to follow simple commands or one-step directions and older children, ages four and five, should be able to follow two-step directions. If a large amount of directions are given within a short period of time, you should expect that the children will not be able to process the information. This could lead to confusion and possibly frustration. Instead of getting angry, a teacher should assume that the child has not yet processed all of the information and should take a more step-by-step approach. This is especially important on busy days or during activities when a lot is going on.
Getting along and working together with others is extremely important for young children as they begin to make their way into kindergarten. Between fights over toys or arguments over who's going to do what during a project, teaching children to work together may seem like a trying task. Fortunately, if you keep younger children in smaller groups and "take turns" during projects on a regular basis, a child will get accustomed to the routine. Working in small groups is an effective way to get children used to working with others and sharing. Sometimes, a teacher may need to resort to one-on-one groups as opposed to groups of three or more.
Three-year-old children are more likely to have problems with aggression and self-control than older children. When a child becomes aggressive, this is her way of showing that she is upset or frustrated with a situation. Despite this, the behavior should not be tolerated. Explain that using words as opposed to physical force is the best way to express her feelings. When an aggressive situation arises, it is important to remove the child from the situation and explain in a calm manner that what she did was not acceptable and that next time, she should use her words to show how she feels.