Read the scenario and use the B.E.T.L.S tool to explain the child’s…

Read the scenario and use the B.E.T.L.S tool to explain the child’s behaviour.

Kasih

Kasih (4.4 years) is playing in the dramatic play area. Her voice can be heard above all others. ‘I’m the mother and you have to do what I say!’

An argument erupts as the other children tell Kasih she’s ‘not the boss’; ‘go away Kasih we don’t like you anymore!’

Kasih begins to take the dolls from the other children. ‘You can’t have a doll if you don’t do what I say!’

Educator Ellen intervenes. ‘Kasih, we share the dolls at child-care. Please give them back.’

‘No, they don’t know how to play,’ protests Kasih. ‘I’m the mother and they have to do what I say!’

Ellen offers Kasih a choice: return the dolls or leave the area.

Kasih, with hands on hips, stares defiantly at Ellen.

Ellen returns the dolls to the other children and tells Kasih to leave the dramatic play area.

Kasih crosses her arms and stomps over to the library area and throws herself face down on the lounge.

Ellen focuses her attention on the other children and then after a few moments goes and sits with Kasih. They read a few books together and then Ellen talks to Kasih about how she can play cooperatively with others.

Ellen: Kasih, when you yelled at the other children because they wouldn’t do what you wanted, they got really upset with you.

Kasih: I know but they don’t know how to play mothers and fathers.

Ellen: Well, maybe they just want to play a different way and that’s okay.

Kasih: But I know the best way so they should listen to me.

Ellen: When you yell at your friends, they don’t want to play with you. Maybe you need to listen to your friends.

Kasih: They’re not my friends anymore!

Ellen realises that Kasih does not yet have the skills to consider her actions from the perspective of others. For Kasih, there are no shades of grey!

1. Behaviour 

What is the child doing?

2. Thoughts 

What is/might the child be thinking?

3. Learning 

What learning areas are affected?

4. Social relationships 

What social areas are being affected?