My students could not keep their hands off each other today. Every teeny little morsel of frustration and anger manifested in punching, hitting and pinching. Not acceptable.

During "circle time," we did a bit of role playing to come up with alternatives to violence when dealing with problems. I pretended to aggravate a child by nudging and elbowing her endlessly. Of course, she sat next to me, giggling and inching closer to me. It's fun when I'm bothering them, but annoying when it comes from a peer.

My failed attempt at promoting positive social skills went something like this...

ME: If someone is annoying you like this, what can you use BESIDE your hands to get them to stop?

CHILD: Your feet!

Ah, yes. Kicking. A perfectly logical alternative for a four year old. I had to turn around so they wouldn't see me laughing. Then we acted out some "use your words" mumbo jumbo. I don't expect them to parrot me or be able to make intellectual decisions about how to handle problems in a social setting. They're four. Impulse drives action.

My purpose is twofold. One, I want to reinforce the notion that violence is NEVER an acceptable way to deal with anger or frustration. Secondly, by being consistent in this approach, one day, they may choose language over action. And the next day, they'll kick. But they're learning.

And sitting on the toilet, yelling to me about 'dancing truck' nightmares.