Recently, one of our NAMC graduates asked for our help and advice concerning two toddlers in her Montessori classroom who are biting other children. She and her assistant have been keeping the children close to them, but the behavior is continuing.

Most biting occurs in children between the ages of one-and-a-half and three years old. Its occurrence reflects not only the children’s feelings, but also their inability to use expressive language. Children usually bite when they’re afraid, angry, or frustrated, or in some cases, to have power over someone (i.e., to get/take something from another child). Additionally, a major change such a new baby or starting school may cause biting to surface. Children may also bite when they become over stimulated or excited.

Biting in the Montessori Toddler Classroom: Causes and Redirecting Behavior

If biting is happening in your Montessori classroom, you may wish to keep the child close to you for a while. Often called “gluing,” having the child close by allows you to hopefully intervene and redirect behavior before the next chance to bite occurs. Also, carefully observing and documenting when and how the child bites will help you notice if there is a pattern to the occurences.

Using positive language helps children learn how to verbalize their feelings. For both children, it is important to emphasize that biting hurts and they would not want to be hurt themselves. Positive phrases that redirect behavior are helpful. “We bite apples and carrots, not people. Biting hurts.” or “People are for hugging, not biting.” Then, remind the child to “touch nicely” or “be gentle.”

If a child is biting in order to obtain items from others, help them put their emotions into words: “I can see that you are angry. You don’t want Kristi to play with that shovel.” This will help the child make the connection between what they are feeling and the names of their emotions. Through role playing, give the child the words they need to express themself in an acceptable manner. Tell them that it is alright to feel angry or frustrated, but it is never okay to bite. Demonstrate how they can tell someone, for example, “I am angry because (you are playing with the green shovel) and I wish (you would let me play with it).” Then, role play how the child may have to work out a solution with the other child (wait her turn) and what the child should do if they get a turn to play with the green shovel (tell the person “thank you”). Also role play the possible scenario where the child does not have a turn to play with the green shovel that day (i.e., walk away without biting).

Biting, like other unwanted behaviors, may require repeated redirection as the child learns new ways to express themself. With patience and positive redirection, the child will learn positive outlets for their emotions.

NAMC’s 0-3 Classroom Guide offers further information on communicating with young children the Montessori way.