4-Year-Old Kindergarten 

Term 1 is done and dusted. Let's have a look at what we got up to.

SOCIAL SKILLS 

Throughout term 1, the kindergarten children were exposed to a program that supports their social skills. This particular program (PALS) looks at social skills through a systematic way. Each week we focused on a one particular social skill. As each week passes the skills build on another, therefore gradually progresses to more complex skills that are required to competent social interaction. The first 5 weeks are called the fundamental skills. These skills include, looking at people when talking to them, listening and not interrupting, following class rules, sharing and taking turns. The next 5 weeks are the more complex skills. These include, identifying emotions of others and responding appropriately, managing conflict and calming down and speaking up. 

The social skills are taught to the children through puppets. The children were introuduced to Kate (Teacher), Anna and Jack (children). Each week the puppets exposed the children to a range of situations with that week's focus. This gave the children the opportunity to learn through story telling. Jack and Anna would discuss situations that happen at their kinder and how they could resolve it with their teacher Kate. At the end of the session we would have an open discussion about what we just learnt and what are the steps we can do to further support ourselves. This giving the children the knowledge to then use within their daily practices here at kinder. 

In the kindergarten room the teachers believe that social skills are important as it allows the children to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers, as well as giving them the tools to manage conflict and learn how to express their own feelings. All of these skills combined supports the children to develop a strong sense of identity as well as self-confidence.