Social skills training (TUS) in kindergarten is an extremely important part of children’s development. Interpersonal skills are crucial for proper functioning in society. Our preschool Butterfly 3, with the future of the youngest in mind, introduces programs to develop these skills. As part of TUS, children learn how to establish relationships with their peers, how to effectively communicate their needs and how to cooperate in a group.
Objectives of social skills training in kindergarten
During social skills training classes at the kindergarten, we set specific goals to help children develop in various aspects of social life. Here are the most important of these:
- Communication development – we teach children how to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and understandable way. As a result, they become more confident and open to talking to others.
- Establishing relationships – we help children understand how to build friendships and maintain positive relationships with their peers. We teach them how to be a good friend and how to respond to the needs of others.
- Dealing with emotions – children learn to recognize their own emotions and the emotions of others. This enables them to better manage their reactions in difficult situations.
- Group cooperation – we practice teamwork skills through a variety of games and group projects. Children learn how to share tasks and support each other.
Elements of TUS in kindergarten
As part of social skills training (TUS) in the kindergarten Butterfly 3 we use a variety of methods and techniques that engage children in active participation. Here are the key elements of our program:
- Practical exercises – we organize games and activities that engage children in cooperation. An example is a team game, where children have to achieve a goal together.
- Lesson scenarios – we prepare a variety of lesson plans to help children learn through play. Each class has a specific theme, which allows for systematic development of skills.
- Role-playing – we encourage children to play different roles, which allows them to better understand the perspective of others. In this way, they learn empathy and how to deal with different social situations.
Social skills training exercises for preschoolers
In our kindergarten, we use a variety of TUS exercises that are tailored to the needs of children. Here are some examples:
- Playing “Friend ” – children learn how to invite others to play and how to respond to invitations. This exercise helps them develop the ability to initiate contacts.
- “Emotions ” game – by drawing or showing emotions, children learn to recognize and name them. This is an important step towards better management of their feelings.
- The game “Who is it?” – Children draw cards with different emotions and have to show them to others without using words. This helps develop the ability to recognize emotions in others and express their own feelings.
- “Guessing game ” – in this game, children have to describe an object or person without using its name, and the rest of the group guesses what it is about. This exercise develops communication skills and creativity.
- “Common Task ” game – children divide into groups and have to solve a task together, such as building a tower of blocks. This exercise teaches them to cooperate and share ideas.
The importance of TUS in the daily life of a preschooler
Social skills training in kindergarten is of great importance not only in the context of play, but also in children’s daily lives. The skills that children develop in class translate into their behavior in various situations. Here are some key aspects that show how TUS affects the life of a preschooler:
- Better relationships with peers – children who participate in social skills training often do better in interactions with other children. They learn how to resolve conflicts and how to cooperate, which contributes to positive relationships.
- Increased self-confidence – through exercises and games, children become more confident. They learn to express their needs and feelings, which makes them feel more comfortable in a group.
- Emotion management skills – children learn to identify their own emotions and the emotions of others. This is a skill that helps them better handle difficult situations and avoid conflict.
TUS scenarios in kindergarten
Every TUS-related activity at the kindergarten is carefully planned. The lesson plans include a variety of activities so that children can learn through play. Here is a sample lesson scenario:
Topic: “Friendship”.
- Introduction (10 minutes) – a conversation about what it means to be a friend. Children share their experiences.
- Game “Teamwork” (20 minutes) – a movement activity where children must work together to achieve a common goal.
- Summary (10 minutes) – a conversation about what they learned during the class and what qualities a good friend should have.
Cooperation with parents
Cooperation with parents is a key element of successful social skills training in kindergarten. In our Motylek 3 preschool we understand how important it is for parents to be involved in their children’s educational process. We hold regular meetings where we share information about the children’s progress and discuss the methods we use during TUS classes. This is a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and share their insights. In addition, we offer workshops where parents can learn how to support their children’s social skills development at home. Together, we develop strategies to help children manage their emotions and relate to their peers. Regular communication with parents allows us to better understand children’s needs and tailor our approach to their individual requirements. We believe that a strong partnership between the preschool and the family contributes to children’s success in developing social and emotional skills. Training in Social Skills (TUS) at the preschool is not only an educational program, but also an investment in our children’s future. Through carefully planned activities and a variety of exercises, children learn not only how to function in a group, but also how to build lasting relationships with other people. The social skills they develop in our kindergarten will have an impact on their future life – both at school and in adulthood.
