For each of the examples below, brainstorm whether the described behaviors are reactions to the environment or thought-out occurrences. Briefly explain your rationale, and discuss your responses with a colleague.
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Zoe bumps Michael while standing in line. Michael then pushes Zoe.
Reaction. Michael did not plan to push Zoe; rather he did this as a reaction to being accidentally bumped.
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Naomi knows that Will doesn’t like other people taking his picture. When Naomi sees that staff are not looking, she sneaks up on Will and snaps a picture of him from behind on her smartphone. She then taunts him by saying, “I’ve got a picture of your butt!”
Thought-out occurrence. Naomi specifically took a picture of Will because he does not like it and when staff were not looking.
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Kori, a preschooler, attempts to kiss another child when they are pretending to be a prince and princess.
Reaction. Kori did not play this game so she could kiss the other child. Rather she is reacting, through imitation, to what she has observed in her environment. If you asked her why she tried to kiss a friend, she would likely respond that she doesn’t know or because she has seen someone else do this.
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Mabel, a 13-month-old, touches caregiver’s breasts when sitting on their lap.
Reaction. Mabel is responding to her natural curiosity about her caregiver’s body and attributes. Also, this behavior likely occurs only when in caregiver’s lap.
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Perry runs into a restroom and moons (exposes his bare buttocks) Mya and Leah, two of his friends. They all laugh at the incident.
Thought out occurrence. Perry exposed himself because he knew his friends would find it funny.
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