Games and role playing can help preschoolers develop social skills through interacting with one another in playful settings. For example, board games teach children how to follow instructions, take turns and work together. Interactive games such as jump rope and freeze tag as well as play-pretend games, such as "Playing House," also help children explore their imagination through patience and social interaction. Putting children in social environments with other children, such as playgrounds, museums, amusement parks, schools and play dates contribute to their socialization.
During the first week of school, the teacher should review classroom rules and policies. As a reminder, she should write down the rules on a poster, along with explanatory pictures. The teacher should play games or quiz the children on their understanding of the rules so they can be enforced. For example, during circle time, the teacher can ask the students to explain the proper procedure for going to the bathroom. If they answer correctly, they are rewarded with a small treat. This can create positive reinforcement for listening and remembering rules.
Social skills can be reinforced through practice and structure. If a child is rude during play time and refuses to share a toy with the other children, the teacher can give him a warning and encourage him to share by using reason. The teacher can also refer back to a time which someone shared with the student. This can teach him to treat others how he would like to be treated. If the child continues to be stubborn, then the teacher will have to issue a time-out for the child or suspend the child from playing with that toy for the rest of the period.
Stories using books or puppet theater that teach specific problem-solving skills and social lessons can be very useful in increasing a child's understanding of how to treat others. Instead of saying things such as "use your words," give concrete advice, such as "be like Twiggie from the story." Using specific examples resonates more with children. The stories should be interesting, attention-grabbing ones filled with characters who are going through trials and tribulations similar to that of children in preschool. These lessons are more likely to make an impression on students and help them conduct themselves accordingly.