You are a teacher of four-year-olds. You have a child, Jamal, who is very active and rough in his play. He pushes and wrestles and tackles his peers on the playground. Even inside the classroom he is more physical and active. He will push and tickle those around him during group time. He will kick his block structures down with much laughing. All of this is done with a smile on his face. Some peers like playing roughly with Jamal. Others don't like it, though. You have noticed they move away from him when he becomes rough.

Before you have a chance to think of a solution to the problem, you meet Jamal's father at a parent night. During a tour of the playground, you observe Jamal's father tickling, pushing, and teasing Jamal in a fun way. This gives you insight into Jamal's behavior.

Answer the following questions about Jamal's play:

1) Can you think of some "happy medium" to addressing the problem (e.g., not stopping Jamal's play completely, but modifying it slightly)?

2)If you decide you will change Jamal's play in some wayask him to be less roughwhat will you say to Jamal's parents to explain this effort?

3)If you decide to let Jamal continue playing in this way, what do you do about children who are avoiding him because of his rough play? How do you make certain Jamal is not rejected by peers because of this play style?

4) What would you do to address Jamal's behavior, if anything? (Require Jamal to play less roughly? Takes steps to make certain Jamal does not hurt anyone?)