Learning social skills is a crucial part of a preschooler’s development. Socially competent children are more likely to build lasting interpersonal relationships, succeed academically and become stronger, more resilient adults.
Below, we discuss the essential social skills children should begin honing and the activities and conversations that support these skills.
Essential Social Skills for Preschoolers
In preschool, your child will learn about everything from clouds to singing their ABCs. Time in the classroom will also teach them critical social skills, such as:
Sharing
When children share their toys or let a friend take a turn on the swing, they practice fairness and kindness. Sharing is also an exercise in conflict resolution. If two children both want to play with the wooden blocks, they must problem-solve to find a solution that satisfies both parties.
Listening
Active listening can be challenging, especially for children. But when children are taught to listen attentively to others’ words and emotions, they develop empathy. Active listening also prepares children for the academic world, where they will need to absorb and process information.
Collaboration and Cooperation
Many aspects of life require teamwork, from working through a conflict with a family member or peer to brainstorming ideas with a colleague. Teaching collaboration and cooperation early on prepares children for these challenges.
Patience
Patience teaches preschoolers the valuable lesson of delayed gratification. Rather than seek immediate rewards or instant satisfaction, they must learn to wait for things they want or need. This is essential for long-term goal achievement and success in various aspects of life.
Empathy
In the early years, children are primarily focused on their needs, desires and experiences. However, with proper guidance, they can begin to understand others’ perspectives and empathise with those around them.
Why Social Skills Matter
Social skills play a crucial role in a child’s development. Children who develop these skills early on are more likely to graduate from secondary school, enrol in and complete university and find stable, full-time employment. Children with high social competence are also less likely to experience emotional distress, meaning they are less vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Other benefits include:
- Enhanced communication skills
- Improved conflict resolution
- Increased empathy and compassion
- Greater resilience in the face of adversity
- Positive self-image and self-worth
Activities for Social Skills Development
Social skills lay the groundwork for future social interactions and overall development. Educators and caregivers can cultivate these skills in young children through activities such as:
Role-Playing Games
Role-playing allows children to step into the shoes of different characters and experience situations from various viewpoints. They may imagine what it feels like to be a doctor. Or, what it feels like to be a parent responsible for chores and cooking. Over time, this exercise can help preschoolers develop empathy.
Cooperative Play Activities
Cooperative play activities provide children with an opportunity to develop essential social skills, including communication, teamwork and problem-solving, while building positive relationships with their peers. Examples of cooperative play activities include games such as “Duck, Duck, Goose” or “Red Light, Green Light”, group art projects, outdoor obstacle courses and group storytelling.
Turn-Taking Games
The concept of turn-taking is not always easy for preschoolers to understand. However, games such as “Go Fish” and “Simon Says” can help preschoolers learn the importance of waiting their turn, listening to others and respecting the rules of the game. Turn-taking can be taught through less structured playtime too. Preschoolers may take turns on the slide, for instance. Or, they may take turns playing with toys in the sandbox.
Storytelling and Puppet Shows
Storytelling and puppet shows encourage children to express themselves both verbally and non-verbally. They learn to articulate their thoughts, feelings and ideas, as well as practice active listening. This strengthens their communication skills.
Group Sports
Participating in group sports teaches preschoolers the importance of teamwork and cooperation. They learn to work with others toward a common goal, whether that is passing a ball, scoring a goal or even completing an obstacle course. Group sports also foster fairness and respect for others.
Conversations to Nurture Social Skills
Educators and guardians can also use dialogue to cultivate social skills. Key conversation topics that can help nurture social development include:
Identifying and Describing Emotions
Engaging children in conversations about emotions helps them develop emotional intelligence and empathy. Encourage them to recognise and label their own emotions, as well as those of others. Ask questions like, “How do you feel when you’re excited?” or “Can you tell how your friend feels when they’re sad?”
Conflict Resolution
Discussing strategies for resolving conflicts helps children develop problem-solving skills and learn to navigate disagreements constructively. Teach them to express their feelings calmly, listen actively to others’ perspectives and brainstorm solutions. Encourage phrases like, “I feel upset when…” or “Let’s find a solution that works for both of us”.
Empathy and Kindness
Conversations about empathy emphasise the importance of caring for others and showing compassion. Encourage children to consider how their words and actions impact others. Discuss real-life examples of kindness and encourage phrases like, “How can I help?” or “I understand how you feel”.
Social Etiquette and Manners
Teaching children about social etiquette and manners helps them navigate social situations with confidence and respect. Discuss basic manners such as saying “please” and “thank you”, greeting others politely and taking turns in conversations. Model polite behaviour and provide gentle reminders when needed.
Diversity and Inclusion
Conversations about diversity and inclusion promote acceptance, respect and appreciation. Encourage children to celebrate diversity and discuss the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their differences.
How OWIS Promotes Social-Emotional Learning
At One World International School, we recognise the importance of social-emotional learning. That’s why our Early Childhood programme incorporates opportunities for social interaction and emotional development into every aspect of the curriculum. Through play-based activities, group projects and guided discussions, our students learn valuable skills such as communication, empathy, cooperation and conflict resolution.
Learn more about preschool at One World International School. Contact us today.
