As parents and educators, everyone wants their children to become successful, happy, well-rounded individuals. However, one crucial aspect of a child’s development that is often overlooked is their ability to form and maintain positive friendships. Teaching friendship skills to kids in early childhood education can have numerous benefits beyond the classroom.
6 Key Benefits of Teaching Friendship Skills to Kids in Early Childhood Education
This article will highlight the six benefits of teaching friendship skills to young children and how it can positively impact their collective and emotional development. You can set children up for success in all areas of their lives by providing them with the tools to build meaningful relationships.
The Role of Early Childhood Education in Teaching Friendship Skills
Early childhood education is vital in teaching children necessary life skills, including friendship skills. Children are more receptive to learning and develop their communal and emotional skills during this critical development period. That makes it the perfect time to introduce concepts related to friendship and socialization.
One effective way of teaching friendship skills is through social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL is a process that helps children develop self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
By incorporating SEL into early childhood education, children can learn how to understand and manage their emotions, communicate effectively, show empathy and respect towards others, and build positive relationships.
Many online children’s education portals are beginning to integrate social emotional learning programs into their curricula. For instance, a platform named Friendzy offers a comprehensive program incorporating the five core emotional intelligence competencies to students ranging from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
By focusing on teaching friendship skills, Friendzy helps students develop crucial emotional management skills, enhance their goal-setting abilities, foster empathy, build and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
This program has received praise from several parents and educators, including Judi Smith, a private school principal who found the program interactive and effective for teaching children aged 3-8 how to make friends. It uses games, songs, and stories to help children learn and practice crucial societal skills in a fun and engaging way.
Here are the key benefits of teaching friendship skills to kids in early childhood education.
1. Enhancing Social Skills
Developing social skills can be particularly challenging for children. However, the proper guidance and support can help them learn to communicate effectively, show empathy and respect toward others, and build meaningful relationships.
One way to enhance communal skills is through practice and exposure to social situations. Children can benefit from opportunities to interact with peers in structured environments, such as group activities or role-playing scenarios. Positive reinforcement and feedback can also help reinforce positive social behaviors and build confidence.
Additionally, you can teach these skills explicitly through SEL programs, which can provide children with the tools to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships. Individuals can improve their well-being and success in various social and professional environments by enhancing collective skills.
2. Boosting Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence refers to a person’s capacity to identify, comprehend, and regulate their own emotions, as well as the emotions of those around them. By teaching children how to make friends and build positive relationships, early childhood education programs can help children develop emotional intelligence.
Children learn to communicate effectively, regulate emotions, and empathize with others through social-emotional learning programs that teach friendship skills. These skills can help children manage stress and navigate social situations, which can be particularly challenging in the early years. Children with strong emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle conflicts, express their needs and wants healthily, and build positive relationships with others.
3. Improving Communication Skills
Good communication skills enable individuals to express their thoughts and feelings clearly, listen actively, and collaborate effectively.
The National Institutes of Health have highlighted the significance of children’s receptive language skills, including their understanding of vocabulary and grammar, in their reading comprehension abilities. As young children enter elementary school, their speech and language skills developed through listening and speaking serve as the building blocks for reading and writing.
These new literacy skills are essential for learning and social development during school and beyond. Additionally, ongoing progress in spoken language skills is vital in establishing meaningful personal and professional relationships and participating effectively in society.
Studies have shown that effective communication skills are essential in the workplace, too. According to a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey, communication skills are one of the most essential attributes employers look for in new hires.
By teaching friendship skills early on, children are better equipped to navigate interpersonal relationships in all aspects of life, including in school, at home, and eventually in their future careers.
4. Improving Academic Performance
Academic performance is measured by a student’s ability to learn, retain, and apply knowledge effectively. A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that students who perform well academically are likelier to have better job opportunities, higher salaries, and improved health outcomes in their adult lives.
By improving academic performance, students can increase their chances of success in various aspects of their lives.
With the right mindset and support, students can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to excel academically and reach their full potential.
5. Encouraging Positive Relationships
Positive relationships are essential for children’s social and emotional development. By teaching young children friendship skills, educators can foster positive relationships that will benefit them. Research has shown that children with strong social skills are likelier to have high self-esteem, better academic performance, and positive peer relationships.
Friendship skills programs can help children develop the skills needed to establish and maintain positive relationships. These programs teach children how to identify their emotions, express themselves appropriately, and understand the emotions of others. In addition, children can learn how to resolve conflicts and build empathy toward others by participating in role-playing and other activities.
A study by the American Public Health Association found that children with strong social skills in kindergarten were likelier to graduate from high school, complete college, and have stable employment.
Furthermore, a book by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that children with positive relationships with peers and adults have better mental health outcomes and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Therefore, teaching friendship skills in early childhood education not only benefits children in the present but also sets them up for success in the future.
6. Building Confidence and Self-esteem
Confidence and self-esteem are closely related and refer to an individual’s belief in their abilities and self-worth. Individuals with high confidence levels are more competent and likely to be hired for jobs.
There are various methods for building confidence and self-esteem. Some methods are setting and achieving goals, practicing self-care, and surrounding one with positive influences. Additionally, seeking help from a professional or participating in self-help programs can provide individuals with the necessary tools and strategies to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
SEL Programs Help Develop Social and Emotional Skills
Teaching friendship skills to young children in early childhood education has numerous benefits beyond the classroom. Children can develop necessary civic skills, improve emotional intelligence, enhance communication skills, and build positive relationships with others through social-emotional learning programs. Additionally, these skills help children achieve success academically, professionally, and in their personal lives.
The Benefits of Teaching Friendship Skills to Kids in Early Childhood Education
Educators and parents can provide children with the tools they need to navigate social situations and build strong connections with others by teaching children how to be good friends. With these skills, children can develop greater empathy, compassion, and understanding of those around them, ultimately creating a more inclusive and supportive community.
