At Pebbles & Piaget, we believe the benefits of learning social skills go beyond social settings. That’s why our curriculum for early learning in Langley and Vancouver places strong emphasis on teaching, reinforcing, and practising these skills for the lifelong benefit of our students.
Recently scholars have a lot to say on the subject. New research indicates mastering social skills at an early age impacts just about every area of life, including:
- Better education and career outcomes
A study from Penn State and Duke University found that children who were better at sharing, listening, and cooperating at age five were more likely to go to college.
- Better life success
The American Journal of Public Health published a study indicating social and emotional skills in kindergarten might be the most significant predictor of success in adulthood.
- Fulfilling friendships/relationships
A study published in the International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences found that social skills contribute to long-term friendships and also romantic relationships.
Benefits for Young Students
While the long-term benefits are worth noting, learning social skills also presents immediate benefits to very young children. Kids with developed social skills have an easier time transitioning into settings like daycare and preschool classes—and eventually school. Being presented with the opportunity to be around a group of peers from an early age allows children the opportunity to practice the skills necessary for fostering positive relationships without the fear of judgement or criticism that often comes at later stages in development.
As licensed instructors and caregivers, our curriculum helps develop soft skills like listening and manners. We believe it’s never too soon to teach kids how to get along with others. When a child is upset or needs space, we show them how to express their feelings and wishes—while respecting those of other students. And if a lapse occurs, we treat this as an opportunity to create teachable moments.
5 Social Skills Taught at Pebbles & Piaget Early Learning in Langley
Sharing
The desire to share has been observed in children as young as two, according to Psychological Science. However, this is as long as resources are abundant. Kids between three and six are more aware of the cost of sharing. This means they can be reluctant to diminish their own enjoyment. At Pebbles & Piaget, we help kids recognize that sharing can be a wonderful tool to make friends. Sharing feels good and can boost self-esteem. Often, encouraging this trait in young children can be as simple as suggesting an altruistic act–like sharing a toy–is a nice thing to do.
Cooperation
Important for adults and children alike, our instructors teach cooperation by creating lessons and scenarios where students work together. Through simple group-oriented games, tasks, and lessons, students begin to grasp how contributing to a common goal makes work easier. They also start to grasp their unique strengths and talents within a group.
Listening
It’s not just about being quiet. Listening means absorbing what someone is saying and engaging in conversation. As children grow, they will be expected to listen to teachers and peers. Attentive listening makes the navigation of daily activities easier. Following directions is only possible through listening, so we help children learn how to absorb instructions. Through games and lessons, we offer opportunities to cultivate this skill, so full-time school is an easier transition.
Manners
Good manners get children noticed for all the right reasons. And the most impactful way to teach manners is simply to role model these behaviours. The staff at our early learning preschools in Langley and Vancouver are always cognizant that they’re being watched. Using phrases like “please,” “thank-you,” and “excuse me,” are important. To reinforce good behaviours, we offer recognition and praise when we catch kids being polite. And there are kind reminders when they forget.
Inclusion
Inclusion refers to welcoming and accepting others into our community regardless of differences. The goal is to nurture students to feel comfortable in their own skin while appreciating that not everyone looks, acts, talks, feels or even thinks like them. Being open to diversity in its many forms is a key component of building moral character and admirable social skills.
Enroll in Early Learning in Langley
As a leader in early learning in Vancouver, our goal at Pebbles & Piaget is not only to nurture the physical and cognitive growth of students but also their social and emotional competence. Through an innovative psychologically-based curriculum designed for children between 10 months and 5 years, we introduce children into fun classroom settings, where instructors combine periods of study with purposeful play. Through lessons that foster academic momentum, creative ambition, and social competence, we scaffold development, building up skills that will carry our students through their academic careers and beyond.
Learn more about our programs or set up a tour. Call (604) 620-3121 to connect with our Vancouver location or (778) 705-9186 in Langley.