Suggestions for Helping Children Learn Social Skills Through Play
By using research and knowledge gained by educators, scientists and child psychologists, we know more about how children develop social skills. The act of “play” is one of the best ways to learn those skills.
How do children classify what they do at school as “work” or “play?” Work is something assigned by the teacher, although older children may say it was play if it was fun (Perlmutter and Burrell, 1995).
Parents and teachers have numerous opportunities throughout the day to help babies, toddlers and preschoolers develop social skills while doing routine work. Recently, several new programs have been developed to help caregivers accomplish these tasks. One such program is Comfort, Play & Teach: A Positive Approach to Parenting. Focusing on activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, the program offers simple ideas that promote learning.