Promoting Positive Social/Emotional Development of all Children

Promoting positive peer interactions and social competence of preschool children is associated with important developmental outcomes and academic achievement and also:

• Motivates children to engage in learning.
• Develops cooperation, conflict management, self esteem and task orientation.
• Promotes empathy and moral sensitivity for others in later school years.

All young children need targeted assistance from adults to learn how to express their emotions appropriately, play cooperatively and use social problem solving strategies. Children are naturally reinforced by their friends to develop, and use, age appropriate social skills within daily activities. Planning consistent activities and routines for peer interaction in group situations at home and school (e.g., snack, circle time, family celebrations) provides numerous opportunities for practicing emerging skills.

Early childhood partners can support learning through promoting the social and emotional development of young children by:

• Creating a supportive social environment for forming friendships
• Facilitating opportunities for interactions with peers
• Providing children with prompts to engage in social interactions

Buysse et al, 2008; Dunn, Cutting & Fisher, 2002; Newcombe and Bagwell, 1996; Odom, McConnel & Chandler, 1994; Porath, 2003