An Early Start - Promoting Social Competence

An Early Start - Promoting Social Competence

by Desma Hughes

Being able to form satisfying relationships is an essential life skill, but it is a skill that must be learned. It enables people to feel a sense of belonging in any group and is closely linked to confidence, self-esteem and emotional well-being. Having the ability to initiate and maintain satisfying relationships with others, especially peers, is known as social competence. Many children find it difficult to develop social competence, so teachers and parents have an important role to play in assisting children to learn these skills.

This practical handbook offers ideas and strategies to help children develop the self-esteem and confidence they need to establish satisfying relationships and deal with inappropriate behaviour from others.

Table of Contents:

• Part A - The Adult's Role in Developing Children's Social Competence
• Introduction
• Assisting Children to Form Positive Social Relationships
• Part B - Programme for Teaching Social Relationship Skills
• Rationale for Using a Teaching Programme
• Teaching Methods
• Theme 1: Friends
• Theme 2: Concentrating, Observing and Listening
• Theme 3: Feelings
• Theme 4: Valuing yourself - Being Confident
• Theme 5: Joining Groups
• Theme 6: Caring for Others
• Theme 7: Sharing and Taking Turns
• Theme 8: Cooperating - Working Together
• Theme 9: Problem-Solving and Resolving Conflict
• Theme 10: Peacemaking - Coping with Problem Behaviours
• Appendices
• Appendix 1: Hughes' Social Competence Check-list
• Appendix 2: Books Suitable for use with Young Children
• Appendix 3: Planning a Social Competence Theme
• Appendix 4: Worksheets

Age Suitability: 5-7+

ISBN-10: 1740257790
ISBN-13: 978-1740257794