Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 15: Peers, Media and Schooling as well as the article Early Childhood Teachers as Socializers of Young Children’s Emotional Competence.

All teachers play an important role in the social development of children in their care. While some children interact easily with peers, others find this difficult, leading them to feel isolated and rejected. Since children spend much of their day in a school setting, it is critical for educators to understand their role in the child’s social development. There are many things educators can do to foster and promote social development in children. For this discussion, you will

• Outline your personal opinions on the importance of a teacher’s role in the social development in children.
• Outline three different strategies or activities that a teacher can implement to support social development of the children in the classroom. Please indicate an age-group you believe these would be most appropriate for in your post.
• Discuss a plan you would create for a child who isolates from others on a consistent basis to assist that child in becoming socially competent.