03/09/2026
3 social skills children practise every day 💛
Some of the biggest learning at preschool happens between children. Friendships, group play and even the occasional disagreement give tamariki opportunities to practise communicating, cooperating and understanding someone else’s point of view. Te Whāriki specifically recognises these skills as part of learning with and alongside others.
1. Taking turns.
Taking turns is about more than sharing a toy. Children learn to wait, notice what someone else needs and understand that being part of a group sometimes means making space for another person. Games and group experiences give children lots of chances to practise this.
2. Listening to someone else’s idea.
“My idea” gradually starts to make room for “your idea” too. Through play, children hear different perspectives, negotiate what happens next and learn that someone else might have a pretty good plan as well!
3. Finding a way forward when they disagree.
Disagreements aren’t something we need to remove from childhood. With support from kaiako, they become opportunities to name a problem, express feelings, listen to each other and find a solution. Over time, children become increasingly able to manage these moments themselves.
These skills take practice (lots of practice) and preschool gives tamariki a safe place to do exactly that. 🌱
