Self Concept - Social and Emotional Development: Ages 3-5

Widely Held Expectations

• Child develops independence, confidence, and competence
  
  • Likes self and shows pride in accomplishments
  • Shows growing independence in a range of activities, routines, and tasks
  • Joins other children in various play activities
  • Chooses from a range of activities within the program
• Child identifies own characteristics (name, age, gender, family members, etc.)

Learning in Action: Examples

The Child

• Is willing to try a new activity (soap painting, cooking project, etc.) and pursues it for a meaningful period of time
• Introduces self and family members to others
• Initiates interactions with others
• Selects and participates in chosen activities independently

The Adult

• Allows children to experiment with their growing competence and independence
• Supports children’s developing appreciation of their gender and cultural identity
• Models self confidence in interactions with children and others
• Encourages child to help another child pour and serve snacks and meals, or select partner for an activity

The Environment Includes

• Materials that encourage children’s interaction, involvement, exploration and experimentation (mirrors, clay, paint, paper, etc.)
• Materials for children to learn about their own culture and the culture of others (music, family photos, books, posters, dramatic play materials, etc.)