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Temperament

Sharon Seidman Milburn
Susanne Valdez
Child & Adolescent Studies
California State University, Fullerton

The Thomas and Chess temperament categories are the most well known and well-researched methods for understanding personality in young children. Have students examine this perspective at http://www.temperament.com/b-di.com.html. (See also http://www.sleeptight.com/EncyMaster/T/temperament.html). Consider, in particular, the assessment of temperament (http://www.temperament.com/assess.html). How practical is this approach for assessing personality in ECE settings? How might the setting influence children's characteristics, and their resulting classification?

For a more explicit and accessible explanation of ideas about temperament and their application to early childhood, have students examine The Preventative Ounce (http://www.preventiveoz.org/index.html). Consider the following:

1. How are the concepts related differently on this and the previous, more scholarly, site?
2. Based on the Preventative Ounce site, can students generate ways to assess children's temperament and/or incorporate understanding of temperament in their work with children?

The Keirsey Temperament Website (http://www.keirsey.com/frame.html or http://www.keirsey.com) defines four types of temperament. Have students review these definitions, and compare them to traditional temperaments as defined by Thomas and Chess.

1. How could one use these categories, and the related parenting and care suggestions, to better understand and care for children in ECE settings?
2. The Keirsey site provides on on-line temperament self-assessment. Have students complete the assessment and consider the accuracy of their results. Would the site's recommendation produce an appropriate educational and care program for their needs?

At the Keirsey Temperament Website, have students complete the Temperament Sorter (http://www.advisorteam.com/user/kts.asp). Ask students to consider their temperament profile, and consider how well it reflects their self-perception. Some interesting exercises:

1. Have students ask a friend or family member to complete the questionnaire for them (considering the student's characteristics), and compare the responses.
2. Have students show their temperament profile to a friend or family member, and solicit his/her reaction.
3. Have students complete the questionnaire twice, several weeks apart, and examine the consistencies and inconsistencies. For this exercise, it is useful to have students print out the completed survey before they submit it, as well as printing the profile analysis.

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