MOUNT VERNON – Preschool is the first step on the years-long path to formal education.
But not every 3-, 4- or 5-year-old who walks through the door for the first time is ready to begin that journey.
Why not? In a nutshell, it’s a lack of social skills.
“For some, this is their first experience to be with others who are not their siblings,” said Amy Krumm, a teacher at the Knox Educational Service Center’s preschool at the New Hope Early Education Center.
“It’s mostly the younger children, the 3-year-olds,” said teacher Sarah Hill. “They haven’t learned how to interact successfully with others in a classroom setting.”
To remedy that situation Krumm, Hill and fellow teacher Robi Magabe conduct weekly socialization classes in which children learn basic social skills ranging from sharing and taking turns to paying attention and developing friendships.
Some parents make the decision to enroll their children in socialization before they move on to learning letters, numbers, shapes and other preschool instruction.
“I have eight students on Tuesday morning and eight others in the afternoon,” Magabe said. “We work on following classroom routine, sharing toys and other skills.
“This is their first experience in preschool, so we try to make it a positive experience for them and their families.”
Krumm and Hill follow a similar plan for the children they have in socialization classes on Thursday – eight students in the morning and six others in the afternoon.
“It’s their first step: Learning how to follow a routine, washing hands, taking turns, listening to instructions,” Hill said.
Dr. Eric Storch, professor of psychology at Baylor University, cites the importance of social skills in developing relationships among young children.
“Socialization is crucial to children’s development from an early age, shaping their skills and fostering companionship and empathy. Relationships teach young children about perspective and meaningful friendships,” Storch explained in an online essay.
“Socialization gives the benefit of having peer support and friendship that can bolster sense of self. Friends not only provide emotional support, but also give feedback that, together with other important figures, helps shape the person you become.”
Some of Magabe’s students have communication needs.
“We work on communication skills. We try to find a way for them to use picture icons, gestures or a communication tablet,” she said. “We also try to have fun through sensory activities, such as painting, arts and crafts and fine motor activities.”
Krumm said most parents recognize the need to develop their child’s social skills.
“Sometimes a parent is a little hesitant, but socialization gives them a chance to feel more comfortable about their child’s participation and success,” she said.
All three teachers interact with parents during dropoff and pickup times and through text messaging.
“Socialization skills are the primary focus but sometimes we devote time to letters, shapes and numbers,” Hill said. “The bottom line is that socialization helps children transition to regular preschool.”