Why Pat Is Behaving?

One theory that could support why Pat is behaving in this manor could be linked to the behaviorist theory. This theory relies heavily on experiences children learn from in their environment. According to this theory, children begin as blank slates and learn behaviors from external positive or negative reinforcements. Children learn certain behaviors by observing; therefore it is adult’s responsibility to shape children’s growth. Pat may be acting out and behaving these certain ways as a cry for attention. Pat has probably learned by now that when he pushes, snatches or plays rough he is going to receive attention from his kindergarten teacher. Pat could have also experienced incorrect ways of punishment and logical consequences at home and school. If Pat has been behaving in these ways for a while, and the teacher either punishes him by taking away play time or isolating him from others, he hasn’t learned why behaving this way is inappropriate. He is just learning that he can act this way, and get away with it with no logical consequences to follow.
A second theory that could support why Pat behaves in this way could be supported by the maturational theory.
This theory states that a child’s development is determined primarily by genetics. Genetics can be the reason for how we grow, learn, and develop. Environmental factors do play a role on behavior, but more so the behavioral traits a child receives genetically. This is when nature vs. nurture is a major can become debatable. Pat’s aggressiveness could be an inborn temperament. According to this theory his behavior will change as he gets older, he will turn out the way he is suppose to regardless of his surroundings and influences. The reason for Pat’s behaviors could be blamed on him being immature and that is why he is not effectively interacting with his peers. He also could have inherited a personality that is just
difficult. Lastly, Pat’s behavior could be explained by the sociocultural theory. This theory involves the child’s intellectual development. Sociocultural theory stands behind thinking and learning is influenced by social interaction, language, and culture. Vygotsky believed these external influences strongly impact a child’s development. Pat may lack these environmental factors in his life; if he is in kindergarten this could be his first year at school. If Pat has never been around a lot of other children, or never experienced playing with others he lacks the social skills that are needed. Pat could be an only child, and never went to daycare or pre-k; therefore sharing toys and playing with other children could be new and very overwhelming for him. If he has never had to share toys or interact with other children, not only does he lack the social interaction skills, but also the appropriate language to talk to them. He may lack the knowledge of asking others to share, or can he borrow something. If he is behaving in these aggressive ways it could be coming from lack of knowledge of how to interact with other children.