Preschool Play 

Preschool is an exciting time for children and their parents. It is also an important time in a child’s development. This week, you will continue to support Paul and Amy and provide them with information about the social and emotional development that occurs during preschool.

To prepare for this discussion,

• Read Chapter 10: Emotional and Social Development in Early Childhood
• Read the Milestones Table for Early Childhood starting on page 401 of the text
• Read Supporting Social Play: Helping Children Learn Social Skills from PlayLinks to an external site.
• Watch the video The Power of PlayLinks to an external site.

For this discussion, use the case study below:

Case Study

Paul and Amy blinked, and Charlie is already three! They just can’t believe how quickly she is growing and how much she is learning. Soon, Charlie will be moving into the three-year-old classroom at the UAGC Child Development Center. Since Charlie is an only child, Paul and Amy are excited to attend an open house to hear all about how Charlie’s teacher plans to help Charlie grow her social and emotional skills.

In your initial post, assume the role of Charlie’s teacher and address the following:

• Discuss two social-emotional milestones you think are important to foster in preschoolers.
• Explain how using play-based learning experiences helps to naturally foster peer relationships with preschoolers.
• Share two pieces of advice you would give to Paul and Amy about the benefits of peer relations during the preschool years.