Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)
Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self with Others
Goal: Children form relationships and interact positively with other children
Skill Progression: Positive social interactions
Age: 42-48 Months
Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.Preference for same gender peers; engages in cooperative play; forms attachments to specific peers; attempts to solve conflicts independently
Observe the child in a classroom or with a group of familiar children. See with whom the child chooses to play when given the opportunity.
No elicitation required.
The child chooses to play with preferred (probably same gender) peers. The child also prefers not to go to an adult for a solution to a problem, but rather argues and negotiates.
The development of friendships is an important milestone for children. Early childhood educators and parents can support this by providing opportunities for friendships to develop. Support early childhood educators and parents in learning how to encourage independent conflict resolution giving them the ideas and words to use, such as, “What are some ways you can solve your problem? You two come up with several solutions.”
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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