Parents can help children learn problem solving skills by allowing them to seek out and discover solutions to everyday situations. Teach children to deal with anger and frustration in a healthy manner, using compromise or negotiation. Respect and empathy for others can be shown through kind words and sensitivity to other children. Teachers can help children improve self-control by teaching kindergarten students to take a break from a heated situation or express needs using descriptive words. Children must learn from mistakes and begin to discover problem-solving techniques.
Kindergarten children should feel good about themselves. A positive attitude and self-confidence will help a child to succeed socially and emotionally. Healthy self-image will be achieved through positive social interaction with students, parents and teachers. The kindergarten child should be able to express personal wishes and requests and not be intimidated by bullying tactics. Learning to communicate clearly with adults and children is a social development skill that will be strengthened during kindergarten.
A kindergarten curriculum is full of activities requiring children to transition quickly and smoothly. During kindergarten, children should begin to develop the ability to complete activities in an appropriate amount of time, and then transition easily to the next activity. If a child is unable to adapt to the flow of the classroom, it will be very difficult to learn. After transitioning to a new activity, a kindergarten student should be able to focus on the new task with minimal distraction.
Most children have the natural ability to instantly connect with and befriend other children. Kindergarten students should be able to play with different groups of children and be able to share with friends. Patience and waiting for a turn are social skills that will be developed during kindergarten. Children should learn to approach others in a positive manner and find ways to play and include everyone.
Kindergarten students should learn how to appropriately interact with teachers and other adults. Children should not fear adults and should have the ability to separate from caregivers with little anxiety. A sense of mutual respect should develop between the child and teacher as the child gains a healthy appreciation of authority. The child should be able to follow classroom rules.