Everyday moments and routines are great times to help tamariki practice social skills and learn about their emotions.
At Central Kids we provide a kindergarten environment where every tamaiti is given respect, dignity and the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and attitudes to strengthen their developing social skills. All adults interact with tamariki in respectful, positive and meaningful ways that uphold the mana and dignity of the tamaiti.
Our experienced kaiako intentionally provide a range of learning experiences that allow tamariki to learn through play, with support to grow their social skills at the same time. This means tamariki are able to foster friendships and interactions, show care and empathy for others, help other tamariki, and develop the ability to solve problems and support other tamariki to solve problems.
Our supportive environment provides lots of opportunity for tamariki to develop and strengthen their skills to be a friend. As we know, learning to be a friend takes time and practice. You can help by acknowledging the friendly things you notice about your tamaiti, such as waiting for a turn, asking for a turn, or listening to someone else’s ideas. Making comments like “that was so friendly when you asked for a turn with the swing” helps reinforce positive social behaviour.
Playing with tamariki helps them learn how to get along with others and feel good about who they are, and talking about feelings helps tamariki understand and talk about how they feel.
Listening and talking with tamariki about their language, identity and culture helps build their confidence and sense of self-worth.
As parents or caregivers, there are easy things you can do to support social and emotional learning at home.
Tips about social and emotional learning
- Talk about feelings. Talking about feelings helps tamariki learn to describe, understand and manage their feelings. This can include asking about their feelings, discussing basic feelings (like happy, sad, angry) and building on that with more complex language as they grow.
- Reassure tamariki that it's okay not to feel okay. Tamariki often have big feelings (like frustration or sadness) and need support to work through these before they can regain a sense of calm. Acknowledge their feelings and allow them to express their feelings, while responding calmly with warmth and gentleness.
- Establish routines that work for your whānau. Consistent routines help tamariki feel secure and have positive behaviour. This can be about everyday things like mealtime and bedtime, as well as things you like to do together (like going to the park). Let your tamariki know what to expect, and when routines will be changing.
- Play games together. Play all sorts of games with your tamariki. They are a great way to learn and practice skills like sharing, turn taking, paying attention, remembering and following rules. Giving positive encouragement helps reinforce positive behaviour, like when they do a great job of sharing.
- Show kindness, compassion and gratitude. Showing kindness, compassion and gratitude helps tamariki build caring and inclusive relationships. You can support this by modelling kindness, talking about the kind things you see your tamaiti do, and regularly discussing the things you are grateful for.
These tips have been summarised from Being Together He Noho Tahi, a Ministry of Education resource.
You can visit the Ministry of Education's Tāhūrangi website for more Being Together videos and resources (also available in Māori).
