Some theory …

Social development concerns the ability of a person to enter into and properly maintain social relations. The socially skilled child will find it easier to cooperate, manage conflict, communicate and show empathy. Among other things, the child’s personality is forged through social development based on different influences (people around him, culture). The socialization of the child is closely related to his emotional development. The first social relations observed with a baby are manifestations of affection or aggressiveness towards others (caressing, hugging, biting, etc.). At 18 months, the child becomes aware of others and begins to focus somewhat on them. The child will play alongside a friend, but not with the friend. Up to age 3, the foundations of the child’s social development are established through the reinforcement of positive behaviours such as helping someone, consoling a friend or playing gently with a friend. It is between ages 3 and 4 that the child begins to take pleasure in playing with others. He is better able to wait his turn and share. He is interested in interactive games with simple rules. At age 4 to 5, the child develops an attachment towards his peers. He likes to play role games and starts to be able to explain the rules of a game with which he is familiar to others. It is at this moment that the adult should initiate games involving cooperation.

How to stimulate the child's development through play...

Social development is closed related to emotional and cognitive development and the adult should remember the limits of the child’s socialization based on his age. The adult must propose challenges adapted to the child’s level. Where possible, the adult should multiply opportunities for play in the presence of peers. Offer the child opportunities for symbolic play in the presence of friends. He will learn to communicate. Since most games involve waiting your turn, train the child early to be aware of others by limiting the number of toys available to a group of children. (e.g., only one blue car, only one stuffed Garfield toy). This necessitates sharing. Finally, question your child on his friends’ interests (“What game do you think Melody would like to play?”). This will initiate your child to the importance of responding to the needs of others.

To learn more

Déziel, L. (2011). L’enfant, l’adolescent et le sport de compétition, Éditions Chu Ste-Justine. http://www.amazon.ca/Apprendre-jeux-outils-pour-enseigne/dp/2804149730/ref=sr_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1309807346&sr=8-38

Articles on the subject based on…

http://www.naitreetgrandir.net

http://www.redpsy.com/infopsy/competition.html

CEDJE: http://www.enfant-encyclopedie.com/pages/PDF/cognition_sociale.pdf