Case Study A Trevor’s Story
Courtney Sontag
Liberty University Online
Edu 210 Early Childhood Education Fundamentals
Professor Erin Elizabeth Shelton
February 8, 2021
Paragraph 1:
Trevor is a 4 year old boy in a privately owned daycare. In this preschool
classroom there are currently 15 children including Trevor, along with two teachers.
Trevor has a hard time focusing, and has behavior issues that cause the teacher to
have to stop what she is doing in order to keep Trevor and the other children safe.
Trevor’s mom believes this is just a phase he is in and will grow out of it, but the
owner has been receiving complaints from other parents worrying about their child’s
safety.
Paragraph 2:
As the teacher in this classroom, the first thing I would do is set a behavior chart
for Trevor with stickers of his favorite thing, for example, cars. For every five stickers
he receives he would get a prize from the prize box. This is called positive
reinforcement. According to Verywellmind, Positive reinforcement involves the
addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a behavior that makes it more likely that
the behavior will occur again in the future. When a favorable outcome, event, or
reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behavior will be
strengthened (Cherry,2019, November 29). Sometimes this type of award system
doesn’t work but according to pyschology today, “make it clear what the behavior or
behaviors you are working to change” (The DOS and don'ts of the sticker chart 2014).
“Changing to many behaviors at one time can overwhelm the child” (The DOS and
don'ts of the sticker chart 2014). To help the other children with Trevor’s behaviors I
would explain to them that sometimes he needs extra redirection and encouragement
to listen. They can then help encourage him and say “Trevor, don’t you want your
sticker let’s clean up our toys nicely or don’t hit Trevor”.
(This is an example from my own room I worked in at my old daycare, the kids knew
how to help the two kids that needed help with behavior.) Another way I would help
the other children deal with Trevor’s behavior is by showing them how to treat him
with respect back so he can see how they interact. As for helping him with his
focusing, I would have fidget toys available for all children as well as a sensory chair
for Trevor to sit on in order to help him focus better during circle time and other times
when he needs to sit still. When a child chooses to have bad behavior, its because they
are in control even if its in a negative way because its easier than sitting still and
doing what they are supposed to do.
Paragraph 3
When talking to Trevor’s parents, I would specifcally start with what I am
concerned about. I would explain about Trevor’s behavior in the classroom and how
he treats the other children. According to Compass Rose Academy, teachers should
“always speak with a calm and friendly tone, stay postive, and be willing to provide
ongoing support for child and parents (Talking to parents about their child's
misbehavior, 2016).” I would also give them tips and ideas I have to help Trevor at
home as well, including books and websites. I would also suggest to them doing the
sticker reward chart at home as well so Trevor continues good behavior at home as
well. I would also strongly advise them to work with Trevor at home as much as I am
working with him in the classroom, so that he understands that his behavior is not
okay. He will improve his behaviors in the classroom if he has positivity in the
household as well.
Paragraph 4
As a parent of a student in Trevor’s room, I would probably feel uncomfortable at
first but would express my concerns to the teacher and owner. I wouldn’t take my
child out of the class she is already apart of. Change, especially being taken from your
friends at a young age is hard for them. I would see if there is a way to volunteer in
the classroom in order to observe Trevor and see how he interacts with my child. I
would defintely ask the teacher questions about Trevor in order to understand his
behaviors.
Paragraph 5
In conclusion, Trevor has behavior issues and definitely needs help with
learning how to cope and how to focus better. With the above stated ideas, I think
Trevor could very well learn to control his behavior with help from his teachers,
peers and parents. He will first need to understand why he has a behavior chart
and be redirected several times but eventually he will be able to treat his peers
with respect and not hit, throw things and kick.
Works cited
Cherry, K. (2019, November 29). Positive Reinforcement Can Help Favorable
Behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-positive-
reinforcement-2795412
The DOS and don'ts of the sticker chart. (2014, August 11). Retrieved February 06,
2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dont-worry-
mom/201408/the-dos-and -donts-the-sticker-chart
Talking to parents about their child's misbehavior. (2016, October 28). Retrieved
February 07, 2021, from https://compassroseacademy.org/talking-to-parents-
about-their-childs-misbehavior/
