In kindergarten, teachers expect children to polish their social skills. Taking turns, playing cooperatively with other children, sharing, and listening to an adult other than their parent or caregiver are all top concerns. Here are some specific social milestones you can expect your child to reach this year. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates and that every teacher follows a different curriculum, so your child may not do everything on this list.
In kindergarten, your child will learn to
- Take risks and try new things such as meeting new children at a party or trying a ride at an amusement park
- Recognize that other children have feelings too. He may notice and feel bad when another child is sad or angry.
- Understand the basic concepts of right and wrong
- Play without supervision and without the constant need to have an adult join in or watch
- Understand and respect rules
- Develop self-esteem and tell you about things he's done that he's proud of
- Use self-control. For example, he may be able to keep himself from crying or lashing out if he becomes sad or angry.
- Express the need to be alone
- Find enjoyment in giving things to others
How the teacher will promote these skills
Nearly every activity your child engages in during the school day will help him mature socially and emotionally. Every day he will participate in group activities that require cooperation with classmates, such as working on puzzles or taking turns with books, toys, and art supplies. Kindergarten teachers also encourage children to care for their belongings and tend to their own needs — going to the bathroom by themselves, putting on their coats before going outside, cleaning up after a spill, getting the tools or supplies they need for a project. To help boost self-esteem, the teacher may create ways to celebrate individual children. Special birthday ceremonies and days when each child is designated a special helper are common.
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