STUDY HELPS PREDICT WHICH CHILDREN MAY BE PRONE TO ACTING OUT, ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES, PEER REJECTION
Parents, educators should monitor behavior, intervene early

Olney, MD— A new study published in the Journal of Research in Childhood Education finds that preschool students who frequently display a boisterous, physical type of solitary play at preschool may be more likely to suffer from social and emotional maladjustment, leading to discipline problems, academic difficulties, and rejection by their peers. Early detection and intervention could help to improve these children's social and academic functioning.

The study, "Solitary-Active Play Behavior: A Marker Variable for Maladjustment in the Preschool?," found that children who most frequently played alone at preschool in a highly active fashion were significantly less attentive; were more difficult to soothe; behaved more shyly; displayed more externalizing problems (e.g., aggression, acting out); performed poorly on assessments of early academic skills; had a significantly less positive attitude towards school; and may have difficulty forming relationships with their peers.

The research suggests that these difficulties were more likely a result of the children's inability to adjust to the classroom, rather than from lower intellectual abilities.

The authors of the study, Robert J. Coplan, Cherami Wichmann and Daniel G. Lagacé-Séguin, all from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, suggest that this behavior could help to identify children who may benefit from more specialized social, cognitive, and academic programs.

"Young children spend a lot of time playing alone at preschool," Coplan said. "This is fairly normal behavior and should not cause alarm. Parents must keep in mind that it's the type of play that is important, and consider the frequent display of 'solitary' boisterous, physical behavior as a potential early warning sign."

Coplan recommends that parents watch for other indicators, such as aggressive behavior, anxiety, problems with peers, a low attention span, and high activity levels. They also should speak to the child's teacher to see if he or she has noticed this behavior. "If parents become very concerned, they can seek out advice from a family doctor, counselor, or child psychologist," Coplan said.

The Association for Childhood Education International's primary purpose is to promote the inherent rights, education, and well-being of children in the home, school, and community. ACEI publishes the award-winning publication Childhood Education as well as the Journal of Research in Childhood Education.

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