Social and Emotional Skills for Preschoolers
We all know that socialization is an important part of prekindergarten. But what are the actual coping skills that would result in an emotionally healthy child who is ready for kindergarten? These are some of the ones highlighted by Beth and Jo at the National Head Start Conference:
- Following rules, routines and directions
- Identifying feelings in oneself and others
- Controlling anger and impulses
- Problem Solving
- Suggesting play themes and activities to peers
- Sharing toys and other materials
- Taking turns
- Helping adults and peers
- Giving compliments
- Understanding how and when to apologize
- Expressing empathy with others’ feelings
- Recognizing that anger can interfere with problem solving
- Learning how to recognize anger in oneself and others
- Learning how to calm down
- Understanding appropriate ways to express anger
