The Foundation Starts With Social Skills!

Children benefit in so many ways when they attend Preschool.  One of the most important skills to be learned in a school setting is socialization.  A child’s foundation starts with social skills.  Learning how to properly socialize with adults and other children is a skill that will be used for a lifetime.
There are many ways for young children to successfully learn proper social skills. 

Children should be given opportunities to learn independence by being offered developmentally appropriate activities daily.  During these specific activities children will learn how to cooperate with others, share, take turns and use their words to get what they need and want.  Learning to problem solve with peers and communicate what your needs are can be learned in a group setting with other children of the same age. 
Learning conflict resolution is also an important skill that will give the children the opportunity to resolve their differences peacefully and with the help of an adult.  The teacher is there to role model how to solve a problem.  Also, the teacher can really get down on the child’s level to give them the tools they need to solve any differences.  For example, empowering children to be in control of a situation by teaching them to say things like “You can have my block when I am finished” or “Would you like to play cars with me” to their peers.  This is obtained in a small group setting (low child to teacher ratio) because the teacher is able to take time to listen and encourage children to use their words.  Children feel very powerful when they are able to voice what they need.  
Inside and outside the classroom, children will work on projects and activities together.  During this time, children are learning to share with one another and use appropriate language while conversing with their friends.  Good Manners and being respectful will be an essential learning tool as well. 
When children graduate from Preschool and leave to go on to elementary programs, parents can take comfort in knowing that their children will be successful in their new environment because they have been given the foundation of social skills!
Creative Years Infant Center and Preschool has been serving families in SCV for over 35 years.  Call to schedule a tour at 661-254-0718 or visit our web site for a virtual tour and more information www.creativeyears.com.  You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/creativeyears.