Understanding Biting Behaviour

Overview

This 30-minute session for a preschool class of 15 children centres on helping young learners recognise feelings that may lead to biting, express emotions appropriately, and practice gentle touch. The lesson aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which complements the National Curriculum for England by emphasising personal, social, and emotional development (PSED).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, children will be able to:

Identify and name basic emotions linked to frustration or anger (PSED: Self-Regulation)
Demonstrate appropriate ways of expressing feelings instead of biting (PSED: Managing Self)
Practise gentle touch through hands-on activities (PSED: Building Relationships)

Curriculum References

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED):
  - Self-Regulation: Managing own feelings and behaviour
  - Managing Self: Managing tasks and becoming confident in own abilities
  - Building Relationships: Developing positive relationships with peers and adults

Resources Needed

Picture book about feelings (e.g., “When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry…” by Molly Bang)
Emotion flashcards (happy, sad, angry, calm)
Soft toys or puppets for role play
Fabric swatches or soft brushes for “gentle touch” sensory practice
Reward stickers or “kindness tokens”

Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (5 minutes)

Gather children in a circle.
Briefly discuss what biting is and why it’s not kind behaviour. Use simple language.
Show flashcards of emotions; ask children to make the face for each emotion.
Link the feeling “angry” or “frustrated” to the reason why someone might bite.

2. Storytime: Feelings and Choices (8 minutes)

Read aloud the chosen picture book focusing on feelings and managing anger.
Pause to discuss the characters’ emotions and what they did instead of biting.
Ask children to share if they’ve ever felt angry and what helped them feel better.

3. Role-Playing Activity (10 minutes)

Using soft toys or puppets, role-play scenarios where a character feels like biting but is guided to use words or ask for help.
Invite children to come up and practise using kind words or gentle hands instead of biting.
Discuss different strategies: telling a grown-up, taking deep breaths, using words like “Stop” or “I’m upset.”

4. Gentle Touch Practice (5 minutes)

Introduce the "gentle touch" activity using fabric swatches or soft brushes to stroke a soft toy or each other’s hands.
Emphasise the difference between gentle and hard touches, promoting empathy and care.
Encourage children to say “gentle” while practising.

5. Positive Reinforcement and Wrap-Up (2 minutes)

Praise children for participating and practising gentle touch.
Introduce “kindness tokens” or stickers, awarding these for kind behaviour observed during the day.
Briefly share with children how caregivers at home can help by noticing feelings early, modelling gentle hands, and praising kind actions.

Assessment and Next Steps

Observe children’s ability to identify emotions during flashcard activity and storytime discussion.
Monitor participation in role-playing and gentle touch for practical understanding.
Provide verbal feedback showcasing appreciation for efforts and kindness.
Share strategies and simple guidance sheets with parents/caregivers for reinforcement at home, e.g., “When you feel upset, use your words” and “Remember to be gentle.”

Caregiver Strategies to Support Children

Encourage caregivers to recognise early signs of frustration or anger in children.
Suggest modelling calm language and demonstrating gentle touch at home.
Recommend consistent routines that provide security, reducing emotional triggers.
Advocate use of calm-down spaces or sensory objects (soft toys, cushions) to help children self-regulate.
Advise on positive reinforcement, such as praise or reward charts for non-biting behaviour.

Reflection for Educators

Note which children needed additional support or showed improvements.
Reflect on the effectiveness of role-play and sensory activities.
Consider preparing a follow-up session focussed on naming emotions or deep breathing exercises for emotion regulation.

This lesson plan supports the holistic development of preschoolers following core EYFS principles of emotional understanding and self-regulation, providing them with foundational social skills to create a positive and safe learning environment.