Peer Response 1
Respond to your peers by addressing the following:
· Describe a play-based learning center that would foster social and emotional development.
· Discuss how the center you suggested aligns with the ideas shared in their initial post.
PEERS POST:
Preschool Play
Discuss two social-emotional milestones you think are important to foster in preschoolers.
As Charlie’s educator, I would reassure Paul and Amy by explaining that social-emotional skills are learned at birth through trust and nurture from meaningful relationships and positive interactions with parents, caregivers, and educators. “Research indicates that children are born ready to connect with other people in their environment” virtual lab. (n.d.). Therefore, Charlie’s social-emotional development can be facilitated and supported by modeling developmentally appropriate behaviors through communication, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and cooperation by sharing with peers, brainstorming ideas, using relevant communication skills, and helping her to understand the feelings of her peers.
To further the conversation, I can explain and empathize with two social-emotional milestones that are imperative during preschool. These milestones are self-awareness which is the ability to recognize one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions; the other social-emotional milestone is relationship skills. Relationship skills help preschoolers like Charlie form and maintain thriving, beneficial relationships with multiple and diverse peers that can last well beyond the preschool years.
Explain how using play-based learning experiences helps to naturally foster peer relationships with preschoolers .
According to Andrew Boryga of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, “New research shows that play-based learning is more effective than direct instruction at improving outcomes for early learners” Boryga, (2022) . The benefits of play-based learning provide preschoolers with opportunities to interact with others and develop relationships with their peers. Play-based learning also teaches preschoolers social skills, like taking turns, collaborating, sharing, communicating, and solving conflicts.
"Play is a natural part of childhood and is inherently human. Play is essential for children to acquire new knowledge and skills from birth. Play can take many forms. When children play, they learn to socialize and develop early foundational concepts in math, science, geography, the universe, and virtually all aspects of existence. The brain thrives on experiences that establish new neural connections and pathways, and play is a perfect way to provide these experiences" for preschoolers. UNICEF South Africa, (2019).
Share two pieces of advice you would give to Paul and Amy about the benefits of peer relations during the preschool years.
To Paul and Amy, the benefits of peer relationships during preschool will help Charlie learn social-emotional skills such as empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, and problem-solving. Charlie will also remember to include other children in her play by sharing her experiences and feelings with peers to enhance her social behavior.
-Ingrid
References:
Berk, L. E. (2022). Infants and children (9th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US).
Boryga, A. (2022). For Young Kids, The Power of Play-Based Learning. Marin county. California: George Lucas Educational Foundation.
Goyette, D. (n.d.).. The Genius of Play. https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/expert-advice/articles/supporting-social-play-helping-children-learn-social-skills-from-play.aspx#.YSJ-Ky1h3zJLinks to an external site.
UNICEF South Africa. (2019, January 30). The power of play [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/C3No2_ObHLY
Virtual Lab School. (n.d.). Preschool: Social & emotional development site. Links to an external site.