Cooperation - Social and Emotional Development: Ages 3-5

Widely Held Expectations

• Child increases ability to sustain relationships
  
  • Uses compromise and conflict resolution skills
  • Plays actively with other children
  • Attempts to solve problems with other children independently, by negotiation, or other socially acceptable means
  • Uses language to engage others in meaningful conversation

Learning in Action: Examples

The Child

• Works on projects with other children (shares labor, follows rules, etc.)
• Waits to take a turn in activity
• Plays side by side with other children
• Works cooperatively with another child who is painting on the same side of the easel
• Sits next to a new child and helps the child with snack routine
• Turns pages of book while adult reads/tells the story

The Adult

• Asks open-ended questions to expand children’s understanding, “What do you think will happen next?”
• Provides building materials that encourage interactive play with others
• Encourages children to rely on each other
• Provides opportunities for children to work in small groups in which each child has a specific responsibility

The Environment Includes

• Opportunities for children to learn to take turns in conversations with peers and group discussion, as well as with materials and equipment
• Time and space for group project work (building a block tower, painting a large box, planting a garden, etc.)