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: 18-21 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 18-21 Months.

Observe during daily routines and play activities.

No elicitation is needed.

Understanding one’s own needs, wants, and feelings is an indicator of sense of self. The child uses reaching gestures, signing “more,” or labeling of items (without whining) to indicate needs and wishes. Feelings are shown by facial expression and body language. Verbal and gestural requests and a mostly happy disposition indicate positive feelings about self.

As the child transitions to using words to communicate, he is often frustrated by not being able to get his message across. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to read nonverbal cues from the child and provide the words they think the child means. The child will feel more confident if he knows his message is getting across.