Learn how Springdale Academy’s Montessori education nurtures social skill development for preschoolers.

The topic of “social skill development for preschoolers” is one of the most searched questions by new parents. There is no doubt that this is one of the most compelling reasons for registering children for preschool. At Springdale Academy, a Montessori-accredited preschool and daycare for children under 6 in Hillsborough, New Jersey, we recognize the impact social development has on a child’s life, from shaping their future interactions and relationships to their overall success. Our students have daily opportunities to practice cooperation and learn how to navigate their social lives with skill and ease. In this post, we wanted to share with readers how Springdale Academy’s Montessori education nurtures social development in toddlers and preschoolers.

“Why is it important for preschoolers to develop social skills?”

The importance of social and emotional development in the early years of a child’s life cannot be understated. Fostering social development in preschoolers is crucial for their mental health. Think about how we interact with our friends, family, and peers and how it affects our lives. In the same way, social skills are also essential for children. Children learn collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, forming positive relationships, having conversations, cooperating, and sharing. Social skill development at New Jersey’s best preschool, Springdale Academy, helps children develop the capacity and ability to express and control their emotions, which is also known as emotional intelligence, and be empowered to embrace differences, thereby increasing their social competence.

“How does a Montessori school or a Montessori education develop social skills?”

Montessori education & social skill development go hand in hand. However, the approach to social development in Montessori education and Montessori preschool differs from that in regular schools. The Montessori Method supports a child’s development by encouraging them to learn according to their natural stages of development, as children under 6 tend to prefer individual work. Gradually, they embrace social interactions and start to work collaboratively in classrooms.

Let’s look at how social skill development is done at Springdale Academy:

Firstly, Montessori education emphasizes individuality. This is why children at Springdale Academy are free to be themselves. They observe each other and their teachers, listen, explore, and ask many questions, which helps them build their confidence and courage, making them feel more at ease while talking to their peers.

Secondly, at Springdale Academy, we have mixed-age classrooms where children of different ages interact and learn together. This helps foster socialization and cooperation among children. We promote student interactions with peers through a blend of partner work, whole-class activities, mentoring, etc., allowing younger children to observe and learn from older peers while older children develop leadership skills and empathy toward younger children.

Lastly, our teachers help children understand the importance of graciousness and courtesy. Practices such as following directions, properly greeting others, saying please, thank you, and you’re welcome, listening well, and making eye contact when talking to others are some essential social development activities that children actively engage in at Springdale Academy.

“What are the important social skills children need to develop?”

Sharing –

Learning to share helps children build positive relationships and empathize. Initially, children at Springdale Academy engage in “solitary play,” absorbed in their own activities. Then they move on to “onlooker play,” where students notice and observe others around them. The next stage is “parallel play,” in which two of our preschoolers work on the same activity simultaneously but separately. The fourth stage is “associative play,” where two students engage in an activity together but without an objective. Finally, the fifth stage is “cooperative play,” where students work together to achieve a common goal.

Cooperation –

Once a child reaches the fifth stage of sharing, “cooperative play,” they comprehend the value of teamwork, compromise, and effective communication. It helps them share ideas, resolve conflicts, and understand different perspectives. Children learn that celebrating other people’s success does not diminish their own identity while also learning how they function in a group. These skills lay the foundation for successful collaboration and positive relationships in both academic and personal settings.

Respecting Personal Space –

Each individual is entitled to personal physical boundaries. By learning to respect personal space, children can establish boundaries while understanding how to approach others with consideration and sensitivity. Each Springdale Academy classroom has clear ground rules and expectations regarding personal space and respectful behavior which include giving others space while working, not touching someone else’s work or belongings without permission, etc.

At Springdale Academy, we understand the priceless joy of watching children grow, develop, and make new friends. We believe that fostering these experiences in a loving and affectionate environment is critical to their social and emotional development. That’s why Springdale Academy stands out as a leader among social and emotional development preschools. Through intentional practices and a prepared environment, we foster friendships and promote collaboration among children. Come join us, and let’s get your child prepared for an interconnected and diverse world.