Young children are constantly absorbing new information about the world. In addition to picking up skills like reading and math, they also need to learn how to establish positive relationships with others. Those who are enrolled in preschool often get a headstart in emotional intelligence lessons, as the guide below explains.

4 Ways Preschool Helps Children Develop Interpersonal Skills

1. Cooperation

During preschool, students will often have to work together on a project. They may also be asked to employ the “buddy system” when walking between classrooms or to the playground. As a result, they will naturally learn to cooperate with others. Talking with their friends will not only boost their language skills but also help them understand that different people have different opinions—and that these differences are valuable. 

2. Sharing

When there are a limited number of toys or one special toy that’s the focus of a lesson, children have to learn to wait their turn. The same might also be true for snacks. Seeing these behaviors modeled in the caregivers at the child’s care center also helps to reinforce this essential concept.

3. Respect

While your child may know to listen to you as their parent, it might be hard for them to understand that this same deference should extend to other adults.

By attending preschool, they will come to know and respect their teacher—and, in the process, understand that they should listen to authority figures outside their own family.

4. Adaptability

At home, children have one set of rules they must follow. While some of these might carry over to their preschool program, the teacher might also have specific classroom rules. For example, they may be asked to nap at a different time or to raise their hand before asking a question. 

By learning to adjust their own behavior and expectations based on the setting, children will learn how to adapt to changing circumstances—a skill that will help them adjust to elementary education later on, as well as tackle other future challenges.

Interested in the benefits of preschool for your son or daughter? Turn to World of Knowledge Child Development Center in Lincoln, NE. They provide fun, educational experiences that give children the support they need in their most formative years. Their well-rounded curriculum includes math, arts and crafts, music, and sports. Visit them online to learn more about their staff. Call them at (402) 483-4769 with questions about half-day enrollment.