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

Subdomain: Learning About Feelings

Goal: Children identify, manage, and express their feelings.

Skill Progression: Emotional expression

Age: 42-48 Months

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

Observe the child in play with a group of children.

No elicitation needed.

Note how the child observes the other children. Is the child’s goal to gain control of desired objects? Does the child seek the attention of others in a positive (fun) way or a negative (mean) way?

As children become more aware of others, they also learn that others have things they don’t, can do things they can’t, and have many ways of getting attention and friends. Help early childhood educators and parents understand that this is a normal aspect of social awareness. Take a field trip to the park. Help parents support the child’s efforts to be social in positive ways by modeling how to talk about what she sees other children doing to make friends, get what they need in positive ways, negotiate problems, etc.