Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Cognitive Development (CD)

Subdomain: Social Connections

Goal: Children identify and demonstrate acceptance of similarities and differences between themselves and others

Skill Progression: Identify and demonstrate acceptance of similarities and differences

Age: 48-54 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 48-54 Months.

Observe the children during play times in the classroom. Also listen to their remarks about other children in the class.

No elicitation needed.

Children begin to notice and comment on subtle differences among their peers. They note the ones who are skilled or have difficulty with certain tasks. They may choose to help children who have difficulties, or report problems to the adult.

Help children accept individual differences by commenting on the strengths that each child displays. Early childhood educators and parents can help children be inclusive by giving suggestions for how to respond to their peers who may have disabilities. For example, the early childhood educator or parent may model and/or tell children how to respond to a child’s tantrums or withdrawal; how to involve children who are lower functioning in play; or how to communicate with children with language concerns.