This child has clearly learned from home that she can get what she wants if she screams. That said, she can learn to differentiate what happens and home from what happens at school. I am a former ECSE teacher and taught many children to do things at school that they did not go on and do at home (including reducing disruptive behavior and being toilet trained). I'd suggest that you totally ignore her behavior. You said that you did not want to give her the "wrong type of attention," but it's possible that she likes ANY type of attention - even attention that you think is negative. If you and the rest of your team can consistently ignore her (say nothing, no eye contact) she will learn that screaming on longer works. Unfortunately, she may be confused when you stop giving her any kind of attention and you may see/hear the screaming increase. It's called an extinction burst and it's when kids think "well, it worked before, so I am going to scream even more and even louder to see if that works." While you are doing this, you have the opportunity to teach her new ways to gain attention. Praise her for the moments when she isn't screaming (however, brief). Being specific in your praise helps, "Look at you! You're being quiet" and do that a lot in the beginning, knowing that as she spends more time not screaming that you can increase the amount of time between praising her. I know it sounds counterintuitive to praise a child for doing what she's supposed to do, but it sounds like she's got a long history with this behavior. If she truly never stops screaming, you might catch her off guard by doing something silly like putting on a clown nose or starting to do something she really likes - and as soon as you catch her being quiet, lavish on that praise. You might find this attached chart helpful. You can use it to track what happens right before she screams (could be that you asked her to do something, could be that another child is too close to her) and what happens after she screams ( gets attention, gets out of doing something, etc.). If you do that first, you may find out that something besides your attention is maintaining the behavior. One of my Teachstone colleagues talks about children's "mistakes" in behavior. They did something that they shouldn't have done, but found out that the behavior "worked" for them, so they keep on doing it as long as they get the desired response. I know there's a lot here, so feel free to ask questions.
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Sarah Hadden
Senior Advisor, Policy and Research, Teachstone
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-12-2021 08:47
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Screaming Student
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
I have a student who screams throughout the day. She laughs while screaming thinking it is funny. It first started during naptime. Her mother gives her a pacifier at home. We had discussed this at the end of last school year for mom to transition the student away from the pacifier during the summer months. Mom did not do any of the things suggested. The student is 5 years old and does not need a pacifier. She does not have any sensory issues. I have given her many things for naptime. She does not take a nap. She has a security blanket, a doll, sensory toys, etc. I have even given her things to do during naptime. When me or my paras give attention to anyone else, she starts screaming. When the student does not get what she wants she has the typical temper tantrum; however, the child has taken it to a whole new level. It is frustrating mostly because she laughs while screaming. She is seeking attention, but I am trying not to give her the wrong type of attention. Mom refuses to get rid of the pacifier. When she starts screaming at home, mom just puts a pacifier in her mouth. Mom does not do any type of discipline. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
NOTE: I teach Special Education. The student is verbal and does understand. If we call her name, she will say "I know, (says her name), stop screaming." Then she starts laughing. She will even go as far as telling us "You don't listen. It's quiet time." Then she will say "shhhh". I have never had a student who just screamed.