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

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children express positive feelings about themselves and confidence in what they can do.

Skill Progression: Expresses and seeks out positive emotions about what they can do

Age: 12-15 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 12-15 Months.

Children can now stand, walk, and move in a variety of ways. They’re acquiring words and communicate how they feel. Although many children won’t perform on request, they usually will start to dance to a favorite song.

Play the child’s favorite music. He will probably start to dance and try to get the adult’s attention. Desire to have someone watch is a sign of pride.

When the child dances and moves to music he demonstrates pride in his skills. Observe the child’s rhythm and movement, and listen to his words, intonation, and emotional expression.

Although early childhood educators and parents often caution children not to “show off,” display of pride in the early years is an appropriate sign of the child understanding he is doing something well that others appreciate. Adults shouldn’t ask the child to perform, but rather give him opportunities to share what he wants to with others.