Social growth

Kids these ages like the company of others, but, at times they still like to play alone!

They haven't quite (although almost) haven't left the stage where everything revolves around them in their mind.

So, offer stuff to do that has them playing with other kids

Whenever you can, praise them for their accomplishments. (If necessary look for things to praise them about! I'm aware that with some kids, you have to look mighty hard! But it's really important for their self-esteem.)

Sometimes, being very aggressive can easily be noticed in these kids.

• Sometimes this is to gain attention
• Sometimes they just don't have skills or experience working with kids their own age

Plan stuff to "set up" kids to work with other kids, (Like asking two to do something together, or asking one to help another one.) Kids these ages like to "help," so make the most of it!

Most of the time, kids these ages like to work together, so, as much as possible have them work in groups of 2 or 3. Occasionally you'll get a kid in your class that doesn't like to work together. When that happens that usually means they've not developed any social sklls, so help them develop them!

Kids these ages usually like to pretend, so use that tendancy toward imginativeness!

Since you are often helping these kids deal with new experience, (like sharing, social skills, etc.) make sure you have enough adults in the class to give the kids thoughtful, caring guidance!

Now go to the next page of Characteristics of Prekindergartners, by clicking on the word "next" with the line under it!