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: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Observe the child in a circle or small group activity in childcare or at a park with other children.

No elicitation needed if children know each other. If the children are strangers, the adult can initiate discussion among the children about their play options, then turn it over to them.

The child talks with other children about what they are doing and then makes a plan for what they should do together.

Encourage parents to play a “starter” role when their child has a play date. Provide the space, materials, and time then ask the children to decide together what they want to do. Adults can reinforce joint problem solving and cooperation by commenting on how they make decisions.