Children learn a great deal in school. They get to meet peers their own age and are exposed to other people as well. At a childcare, children learn to take cues and follow their caregivers. They go through a number of activities which help them hone their skills. They would learn to practice basic sharing skills. They would learn the importance of learning in groups.
There are many benefits of learning social skills at a young age. These include the following:
- Being socially aware allows children to be prepared for all sorts of interactions in the future. The right social skills are an integral part of a society. Learning the right social skills at the right time can help children through the different stages of development they would undergo.
- While some children are more adept at learning social skills, there are also children who might struggle a bit. Moe sociable children find it easier to make friends. They also adjust well in all kinds of situation and respond well to their surroundings. Despite the time a child might take to become socially adept, learning those basic skills is crucial for their success in the future.
- The concept of play in a child are is quite old. While parents might assume that their children are apparently just playing but in a day care it has a purpose. All play is directed towards helping a child learn a useful skill. For example during story time children are made to sit in a circle and listen to the stories told by their teacher. This basic listening skill helps children develop a habit of listening to their peers as well. On the other hand learning through role play is also a great way of learning social skills. Through skits and plays children are taught the importance of saying magic words like please, sorry and thank you.
At a preschool children learn the following social skills based on their age and understanding:
- Two to three year olds learn methods of seeking attention. They learn to say greetings like hi and bye. They learn the concept of humor and tend to laugh in situations which requires a response from them.
- Three to four year olds learn to take turns while playing. They learn to interact with verbal communication.
- Four to five year olds learn the importance of cooperation and the concept of listening to their peers.
- Five to six year olds use the magic words in context and learn the skills of making new friends.
Teachers use a variety of methods to teach different social skills. Some of the social skills which they focus on include empathy. Empathizing with their peers allows children to grow into thoughtful young people who care about their friends and their surroundings. Plus they learn the importance of giving someone personal space when required.
All of these skills might sound like something which a child may learn on their own pace, but North Lakes child care by Bay Explorers make sure that these skills are practiced and reinforced.
