Understanding and Guiding Young Children’s Behaviour
Practical strategies to help children self-regulate, focus, and thrive.
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Wondering why children act out (or play up), or how to help them manage their emotions? This practical guide, designed for Kindergarten and Early Childhood Centres, provides clear answers and ready-to-use strategies to create calmer, more connected classrooms
You will be introduced to some “easy to follow” science on how the brain works and develops in the early years. Then you will be shown how your responses to emotional behaviour can create positive behaviour and habits to develop. From there you will be given strategies to use every day to create a calmer, less stressful and happier day for yourself and the children you care for.
With over 175 pages, this will be your “go-to” reference to understanding behaviour and provides you with quick-step strategies for them all. From co-regulation and calming activities to building emotional intelligence and positive behaviour guidance, every strategy is simple to apply in daily practice. Quick-reference “cheat sheets” scattered throughout the guide make it easy to respond confidently, whether with one child or a whole group.
Provided in PDF, Google Docs, and MS Word formats, you’ll get instant access via links sent straight to your email. Start supporting young children’s learning and emotional growth today.
Full Contents:
Introduction: Why Understanding the Brain Matters
- The link between brain development and behaviour.
- Moving beyond “discipline” to “guidance.”
- How this knowledge empowers you to respond, not react.
- A brief overview of the key brain regions involved in learning and emotions (e.g., amygdala, prefrontal cortex).
The Developing Brain in Early Childhood
- How the brain grows from birth to age five.
- Neural connections and the role of experience.
- Emotional development milestones.
- Why repetition and relationships shape learning.
- The concept of “co-regulation before self-regulation.”
What’s Happening When Children “Act Out”
- Understanding stress responses in young children (fight, flight, freeze).
- Common triggers in early learning environments.
- How sensory overload affects behaviour.
- Recognising unmet needs behind challenging behaviour.
Calming the Brain: Practical Regulation Strategies
- The teacher’s role as a “co-regulator.”
- Calming activities for groups and individuals (breathing, movement, rhythm).
- Creating a calming space (environmental cues, sensory supports).
- Language to use during moments of dysregulation (“I can see you’re upset… let’s breathe together.”).
Building Emotional Intelligence in the Early Years
- Helping children identify and name emotions.
- Using stories, play, and art to explore feelings.
- Teaching empathy and problem-solving through daily routines.
- Modelling emotional literacy as an educator.
Positive Behaviour Guidance Through Connection
- Why connection must come before correction?
- Strategies that foster secure, trusting relationships.
- Positive phrasing, redirection, and natural consequences.
- Building consistency across your teaching team.
Creating Brain-Friendly Learning Environments
- Layout and sensory considerations for calm classrooms.
- Routines and transitions that support focus.
- Encouraging independence through predictable structure.
- Using visuals, music, and rhythm to support attention and memory.
Supporting Children with Additional Needs
- Understanding behaviour differences in neurodiverse children (e.g., autism, ADHD).
- Adapting co-regulation and calming techniques.
- Partnering with families and specialists.
- Inclusion as a mindset, not a checklist.
The Role of the Adult Brain
- How your own stress response affects children’s behaviour.
- Simple mindfulness and grounding tools for teachers.
- Modelling calm, emotional awareness, and flexibility.
- Building a supportive team culture that reflects brain-wise practice.
Appendix
- Glossary of Terms
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