Early Start - Promoting Social Competence

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.

Age: 5 years +

Table of Contents:

Preface

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 Checklist

Appendix 2: Books Suitable for use with Young Children

Appendix 3: Planning a Social Competence Theme

Appendix 4: Worksheets