early social skills

Combine Art, Manners, Kids for Magic – #7 Magic for Preschool – Kindergarten

2017/04/17 admin Leave a comment

If you need a formula for magic, combine art, manners, kids and imagination. This month, people who work with kids are sharing their wishes for programs like preschool and kindergarten. Both moms, Nicolle and Catherine, wanted more hands-on activities and Nicolle had a suggestion. Not just play dough, how about a clay station?

The word clay reminded me of a friend Terri Hardin, a Disney sculptor. In her book, she writes she was “Constantly creating and always in motion….” Doesn’t that sound like kids too? Always on the go with minds thinking and bodies making. Even when kids are taking things apart, they are still creating.

Terri also wrote about why clay was so appealing to her. We live in a 3-d world. Sculpting is creating in 3-d while drawing is trying to squeeze three dimensions onto a 2-d paper. There are other differences too. While both use imaginations, clay is far more sensory for hands than paper, paints, and crayons. Kids can really dig their hands into clay. No wonder a clay station is a wish for children’s care programs and school.

In an e-mail from Terri she is sharing her latest project, a show for kids that combines art, manners, kids, and imagination in both 2-d and 3-d. Some 2 dimensional characters, Dabbler and Bump, explore manners along with the host Mifren who “will draw, sculpt, paint and glue, do origami and pumpkin sculpt, carve ice, or do just about anything, to show kids all the different ways they can express themselves besides just talking.” Using a magic art easel, they travel into the 3-d world of out-going teen Buddy. Here is a link to the KickStarter campaign now until there is a website: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/803941245/mifrens-manner-a-kids-show-inspiring-manners-throu

Often on this blog, I’ve written about the critical importance of social skills for children’s development. The goal of the show is something we all want, “If we teach appropriate behavior and social tolerance during these years, we can create a safer social and school environment.” This is surely something we all want. Isn’t it wonderful to have a wish that can come true?

Social and Emotional

How to Steal a March #5: Kids Social Skills Give An Advantage Over Academics

2017/03/09 admin Leave a comment

Whenever we think of success at school, we assume that academics is most important, but did you know kids social skills give an advantage over academics? Research is showing us that kids who cope with the social challenges of school are the ones who experience success.

When we think about social skills vs academics it’s maybe not so surprising. Kids need the confidence to ask questions and seek help, the skills to work with others and share talents, the resilience to bounce back after failures, and the perseverance to keep going. We can start the for all of these long before kids get to school.

Young children do not come with social skills in their brain backpacks. Helping them learn positive ways to interact with others is a huge challenge for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Three basic skills for kids are learning to share, to take turns, and to wait. These are easier for some than for others so we may need to try different ways to support them.

When it comes to sharing, it’s so funny to see toddlers offer us a bite of something only to take it back. They have only figured out part of the process as they build on our example. Acknowledging a child’s effort is also important. “I see you are sharing,” is a simple comment that echoes deep. Books and stories are a valuable resource. The brain is hard-wired for stories and seems to absorb the message. We need to remember to give kids the words to use and this is one way. When kids play with others, there are many opportunities to share and to learn to ask others to share with them.

Taking turns is a critical part of building relationships. Many games and activities give kids practice at taking turns. We also need to provide the words and example for asking others to give us a turn. “Please wait, I’m not done my turn.” can help kids as they interact with playmates.

Learning to wait is more than being patient. It involves attention and focus, and being able to keep going while waiting for the payoff or reward. Having a few strategies is really helpful. When we are waiting in line at the bank, for example, we can sing songs together or tell stories. The game I Spy is great for filling minutes when waiting. You might want to choose a color and think of as many items of that color as possible. Decide on a shape and count the number of things of that shape.

To “steal a march on someone” is to have an advantage over them and kids social skills give an advantage over academics. Will your child’s day have some social fun and play?

Social and Emotional

#2. Friendship Skills: Helping Kids Learn Sharing Skills

2017/02/04 admin Leave a comment

January is resolution month, February is Friendship. Friends share, and helping kids learn sharing skills is an important part of making and having friends.

We all recognize how sharing is a critical piece of relationships but it’s not easy to see how complicated it can be. When babies and young toddlers first start sharing, they get the first action of offering a toy or a bite of a cookie to us, but not the next. They hold on to the item and quickly take it back. Sharing is not only giving, it’s also letting go. Not only is their more than one aspect to the action, the letting go part is really hard to do.

Our example is one of the behaviors kids will imitate in learning to share. Children need a model to follow. We can talk about what we are thinking and say we are really enjoying a cookie and you know someone else might like a piece too. It helps kids to hear how we decide to share or not.

Not sharing needs different strategies. Kids need words, such as, “I’m still using this. You can use it when I’m done.” They also may want to ask someone to share with them. “I’d like to play. We can share. You have some and I’ll have some,” are good words to know. This can be as simple as 4 words, “Play too. Share please,” for young toddlers.

When kids are sharing, a positive comment or two reinforces their choice. You might say, “You are sharing with your friend. Your friend appreciates that.” This acknowledges the action.

Books and stories are another great resource. One Little Sister loves is Mo Willems story, Should I Share My Ice Cream? Elephant has an ice cream and debates whether or not to share with his friend Piggie. The problem has an unexpected solution. There are many other great books about sharing. You can also make up a story of your own. Maybe a fork and spoon have to share dessert. How might they work it out?

Early childhood is all about learning and play. Kids need opportunities to learn and develop the skills they need for interacting with others. These happen in play and real-life experiences. What do you do for helping kids learn sharing skills?