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: 15-18 Months

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Watch the child during daily routines or when she figures out how to use a new toy.

Watch the child during dressing or mealtime. Ask the adult to let the child finish a task independently. For example, the child may pour the last little bit of milk into the bowl or help pull off her pants for diapering. If needed, present an unfamiliar toy for the child to figure out.

The child looks to the adult when she does something special. This is the child signaling that she understands she did something special.

Encourage parents to allow their child to finish off task during the day. Pull off socks, close the dryer door, shut the front door, turn off the vacuum, etc. Finishing the task teaches one part of the skill, but also results in a sense of accomplishment. This motivates the child to want to do the whole task.