Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood
Preschool is an exciting time for children and their parents. It is also an important time in a child’s development. This week, you will continue to support Paul and Amy and provide them with information about the social and emotional development that occurs during preschool.
To prepare for this discussion,
Read Chapter 10: Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood
Read the Milestones Table for Early Childhood starting on page 401 of the text
Read Supporting Social Play: Helping Children Learn Social Skills from PlayLinks to an external site.
Watch the video The Power of PlayLinks to an external site.
For this discussion, use the case study below:
Case Study
Paul and Amy blinked, and Charlie is already three! They just can’t believe how quickly she is growing and how much she is learning. Soon, Charlie will be moving into the three-year-old classroom at the UAGC Child Development Center. Since Charlie is an only child, Paul and Amy are excited to attend an open house to hear all about how Charlie’s teacher plans to help Charlie grow her social and emotional skills.
In your initial post, assume the role of Charlie’s teacher and address the following:
Discuss two social-emotional milestones you think are important to foster in preschoolers.
Explain how using play-based learning experiences helps to naturally foster peer relationships with preschoolers.
Share two pieces of advice you would give to Paul and Amy about the benefits of peer relations during the preschool years.
Sample Solution
Hello Paul and Amy! I'm thrilled to have Charlie joining our three-year-old classroom here at the UAGC Child Development Center. I know you're excited about this next step in her development, and I'm here to assure you that we'll provide a nurturing environment to foster both her social and emotional skills.
Based on my experience and the milestones outlined in our curriculum, I believe there are two particularly important areas for preschoolers to develop:
- Building Healthy Peer Relationships: This involves learning to share, take turns, cooperate, and resolve conflicts peacefully. Through play-based experiences, children discover the joy of collaboration and friendship. They learn to navigate social cues, express empathy, and build trust with their peers.
- Self-Regulation and Emotional Expression: Recognizing and managing one's emotions is crucial for preschoolers. We provide activities that help them identify and label their feelings, develop coping mechanisms for dealing with frustration or disappointment, and express themselves constructively. This lays the foundation for emotional intelligence and healthy social interactions throughout life.
- Collaborative Play: Activities like building with blocks, creating stories, or engaging in dramatic play encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Children learn to negotiate, compromise, and celebrate joint achievements, strengthening their bonds.
- Shared Emotions: Playing together provides opportunities for children to experience and express a range of emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it's the joy of success, the excitement of discovery, or the disappointment of losing a game, play allows them to learn how to express and manage their feelings while observing and responding to others' emotions.
- Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Through play, children step into different roles and experience the world from another's perspective. This fosters empathy and understanding, enabling them to connect with their peers on a deeper emotional level.
- Embrace Play Dates: Encourage Charlie to have playdates with other children outside of preschool. This provides additional opportunities for her to practice and refine her social skills in a familiar setting.
- Focus on the Process: Don't worry about the "outcome" of playdates or preschool interactions. Instead, celebrate the process of building relationships, learning through play, and navigating emotional challenges. This encourages Charlie to embrace social experiences and grow from them.