Young children are the center of their world, and teaching them to socialize with others is a long process. Basic manners are just the beginning, and children must be constantly reminded of them before they practice the concepts on a regular basis. Sharing with others would seem to be easy in a preschool environment, but the ability of small children to pass along their germs is not a deciding factor. Preschool officials should always be questioned on the methods they use to help children learn to socialize properly.
Good manners begin with learning to listen to others as well as paying attention, and children often know this before attending any schooling. Their parents will give them a head start on this concept at home, but reinforcing it with others is often difficult. There are many ways to help them learn to accept they must listen, and preschools that have it as part of the social learning program will not let children run wild.
Playing with others is important for children who want to have friends, so schools that have rules and consequences for failure to follow them are a good place to consider. If they simply let the children do as they want, there will be chaos very soon. Giving children choices in types of play as well as their toys can help, but they must also share with others. Teachers must be patient with them, and they must also apply discipline to those who refuse to learn.
One of the concepts young children struggle with is putting away their things when they are done, and parents can appreciate a preschool where this concept is reinforced. At the end of play time, teachers and other staff should help the children with this important chore. If parents observe this on a visit, they will know the school maintains an orderly environment where their child will learn important social concepts that will serve them well throughout their life.
