How Preschool Builds Social Skills for Life

Preschool is one of the first places where many children spend a significant amount of time with a group of peers. It is a place where children learn not only academic concepts, but also how to communicate, cooperate, express themselves, and navigate relationships. Social skills are not simply something children either have or do not have.

They develop through practice by:

• Learning to Communicate

  Children need opportunities to express what they want, explain what they are thinking, ask questions, and tell others how they feel.

  Teachers can model language and help children find appropriate words when they are frustrated or unsure what to say.

• Learning to Take Turns

  Waiting for a turn can be difficult for young children. Classroom routines and group activities provide repeated opportunities to practice patience and understand that other people have needs, too.

• Working Together

  Projects and collaborative activities give children reasons to work with classmates.

  They may build something together, create artwork, participate in a dramatic-play scenario, solve a problem, or share materials.

  Working together teaches children that different ideas can contribute to the same goal.

• Navigating Disagreements

  Conflict is a normal part of childhood. Children may disagree about a toy, a role in a game, or how a project should be completed.

  Adults can help children learn to communicate their needs, listen to another person's perspective, and work toward a solution.

• Building Empathy

  Children gradually learn to notice how other people feel.

  A teacher might help a child recognize, “Your friend looks sad because the block tower fell,” or encourage a child to think about how another person might feel in a particular situation.

  These conversations help children begin developing empathy.

• Confidence in a Group

  Social development also includes feeling comfortable participating in a group. Children can practice speaking in front of classmates, sharing ideas, helping others, and asking adults for assistance.

At Dream-I, we believe academic learning and social development go hand in hand. Children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected to the people around them.

The social skills children practice in preschool become building blocks for relationships, collaboration, communication, and confidence throughout their lives.