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

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children demonstrate a positive sense of self-identify and self-awareness.

Skill Progression: Awareness of self through emotional expressions and verbalizations

Age: 36-42 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 36-42 Months.

Look at a family album of pictures if available. Talk about the people and who they are. What do they like to do with that person?

Draw a picture of the child’s family. Have the child narrate who should be in the picture. Ask who the person is if the child doesn’t provide the relationship. For example, ask, “Is she your aunt or grandma?”

Listen to the child’s description of the various family members.

Parents often refer to relatives by name and/or relationship such as “Aunt Katy” or “Grandma.” Encourage parents to explain the relationship (Daddy’s mommy). This helps children begin to understand the connections between family members and their place in the family.