Often times parents think about early learning in terms of literacy and academic growth. However, at our Preschool in Aliso Viejo we know that social interaction is one of the most important areas for young children growth and learning development. Socializing with other young children in their class and working collaboratively on projects or in play, offers children opportunities for academic growth but social, emotional and cognitive growth. Lets take a closer look at the many ways social interactions is vital in Preschool.

Development of Social Skills

One of the most obvious benefits of group work and social interactions is the growth in social skills. Group settings allow for discussion, collaboration, and cognitive learning. Preschoolers also learn to navigate more complex social situations as they get older, such as conflict resolution, negotiation, and with guidance they gain perspective for other children as well. Opportunities such as these, at our Aliso Viejo Montessori, build the child’s emotional intelligence and empathy, which are vital skills as they grow up. For example children are fighting over a toy or game, with a little bit of teacher guidance we may clarify the rules or explain what is fair and adjust accordingly. Children are learning far more than we know for these small social interactions.

Enhanced Cognitive Development

When children work together cooperatively it fosters improved problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.  Preschools often plan activities in small and large group, unlike Montessori’s which rarely have large group activities, but these group learning exercises have children privy to a range of ideas and viewpoints. The more ideas they hear, the more they trouble shoot, and the more they learn! Working in a group allows for children to listen and explain which is helpful for the learning process as well. For example, children may be working on building a bridge of blocks. They can discuss a plan or a few, try them out and discuss why they don’t work, and then discuss new options which all improves their cognitive development.

Collaborations and socializing in a group for problem solving also helps children grow their language development with improved vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. These skills are crucial for future learning and growth and at Academy on the Hills our Laguna Niguel Preschool prides itself on incorporating ample opportunities for collaboration between students in our thematic curriculum.

Fostering Independence and Responsibility

Although groupwork does have an emphasis on collaboration, it also fosters children’s independence. Even when working a group its often each child will be delegated a task or part of the project, children will take on different roles in the project as well. Young children can take on the role of leader, builder, note taker, etc. each child can grow into various roles they feel more comfortable in. Early childhood gives children an opportunity to test our many roles and their place in the group. Through these interactions children gain confidence and a stronger sense of individuality and responsibility.

In additional teamwork and groupwork can teach children a sense of responsibility as the group of children will rely on each other for each specific role, an important factor as they grow up.

Cultural Awareness and Diversity

At Academy on the Hills, a prominent Aliso Viejo Preschool, we know that working in a group dynamic exposes children to different backgrounds, a variety of perspectives, and different experiences. In a classroom full of different cultures, children will also be exposed to a variety of culture as well. Preschools that promote inclusivity and diversity in their students creates an environment where children are encouraged to respect and embrace their peers. Learning to work with others of different backgrounds and perspectives promotes, tolerance, patience, and an understand for others to work cooperatively with peers of other walks of life. Starting a child’s learning journey in a diverse atmosphere builds a strong foundation for their future to be compassionate to others and more open minded.

Improved Academic Achievement

Collaborative activities vastly enhance children’s academic performance. Preschoolers who work in peer groups often tend to retain information better, as they process the information as a collective group. The discussion amongst the children and social intersections helps to cement the information they are learning. Working in a group also gives children more opportunity to observe more problems solving as their peers also hypothesize and try various solutions, which can deepen the overall understanding of the subject matter. Science experiments, for example, all children to engage in active learning. By working as a group children can benefit from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Building Positive Relationships with Teachers and Peers

Having an open forum for group work promotes community within a preschool classroom. Preschoolers who participate in group work with peers build better social skills, and positive relationships with their peers and teachers as well. Teachers who create opportunity for group work encourage children to speak up and share often, which fosters more conversation, and an environment of support and encouragement. When children feel supported and safe they are more likely to share, learn and grow giving them a more positive feeling toward school. Our Laguna Niguel Preschool Center has an exemplary staff who are trained in up to date child development and understand the important of social interactions with their students.

Conclusion

In the field of early childhood education, social interaction is vital for overall optimum learning for children. The impact of group work and social interactions is immense at these early stages of learning. These opportunities help build a foundation of trust, sharing, cognitive growth, and can increase communication skills. By creating classrooms and a curriculum that allows for ample opportunities for children to collaborate we are helping the next generation of learners to be more empathetic in working with others as well as wonderful critical thinkers.

• Academy on the Hills is a Preschool Montessori Serving Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and Laguna Hills.