nel-edu-guide-social-emotional-development

Engaging Children in Small Group ActivitiesWhen children work and play in pairs or small groups, they develop important socialskills. They learn how to interact politely with others, work cooperatively, listen toone another and negotiate or resolve conflicts that are likely to arise. Sand andwater play are examples of such activities as they encourage children to explorematerials, problem-solve and try out ideas together. When children are engagedin small group activities, teachers could encourage interaction and acknowledgetheir positive attitudes and dispositions.Children learn to work cooperatively in a small group when theyhelp each other to open the metal can.Using Stories, Rhymes, Songs and PuppetsStories, rhymes and songs can be used to support children’s social and emotionaldevelopment. They can be used as a platform for children to talk about issues,feelings, etc. By responding to stories, children can work out their feelings andclarify their thoughts. Such responses can be in the form of discussions, drawings,spontaneous writing or role play.As children begin exploring their world, they often feel uncertain and, at times,fearful of new situations. Using puppets helps to create a safe environment for themto express and talk about these emotions.34Copyright © 2013, Ministry of Education, Singapore