Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self with Others

Goal: Children demonstrate the social and behavioral skills needed to successfully participate in groups.

Skill Progression: Social awareness and conscience

Age: 33-36 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 33-36 Months.

Watch the child during daily routines or play activities.

If no praise is sought the adult can ask, “Who has had good behavior today and deserves a hug?” Ask what the child did to deserve the hug.

The child brings accomplishments to an adult or peer to show them. If asked, the child says what she has done that deserves a reward for being “good.”

Children need to know their efforts are worthwhile. When children do something good, the adult needs to reinforce their behavior. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to use specific comments about what the child did well (e.g., “I loved that you shared with your brother.”) rather than a vague comment like “Good job.”