Children are provided with many opportunities to develop social skills, both in the classroom and on the playground. Cooperating and helping are encouraged as children work and play throughout the day. Children are encouraged to discuss problems with each other and to negotiate solutions in a democratic way.

Teachers establish a few clearly defined rules that are used consistently, and they strive to provide a warm, supportive atmosphere for learning. Teachers use positive guidance techniques to help children develop a conscious understanding of their behavior and to help them develop self-control. Teachers model and encourage expected behavior, redirect children to a more acceptable activity when necessary, and set clear limits. Teachers’ expectations match and respect children’s developing capabilities.

Some of the social skills children will be developing include:

• friendship skills, such as initiating and maintaining friendships
  
• play skills, such as joining a group, making and taking suggestions, and playing alone
  
• recognizing others’ emotions, needs, and rights
  
• awareness of similarities and differences in opinions and attitudes
  
• learning to delay gratification
  
• learning how to conform to reasonable limits set upon behavior, play space, and use of materials
  
• a sense of responsibility for the environment