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Curtain Going Up... At Home
Take a cue from Broadway and "set the stage" for developing SOCIAL EASE
 

Part of facilitating social development for infants, toddlers, and young children is creating a safe environment in which they can learn and play. Using the example of a director and a theater, this fact sheet demonstrates to staff and parents several research-based suggestions to aid social and emotional development in young children.

The following tip sheet is courtesy of the Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Development.


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Curtain Going Up... At Home

Much like a theatrical director who surrounds his cast with the scenery and "props" they need to bring a play to life, parents of very young children have the opportunity to create a home environment, a physical setting, where their children will learn and flourish. Research shows that the kinds of "settings" parents create in their homes influence the social and emotional "performance" of the young "actors" in their lives.

To help your child experience social ease—to develop the openness, friendliness, and sense of confidence commonly called sociability:

  • Provide a home environment that contains a variety of interesting toys and learning materials. The playthings should give your young child a variety of different experiences and activities that can he or she can enjoy regularly.
  • Interact with your child frequently. Pay attention and respond promptly and appropriately to your little one's efforts to communicate with you.
  • Encourage your young child to explore and interact with the people and objects he or she encounters as part of everyday activities.

More>> [PDF, 384KB]

Curtain Going Up... At Home. Take a cue from Broadway and "set the stage" for developing SOCIAL EASE. If It Fits! Research and Training Center on Early Childhood Early Childhood Development. ED/OSERS/OSEP. 2004. English. [PDF, 384KB].