Browsing by Author "Tuomisto, Selja Amanda"

This thesis aims to unravel which is the central set of skills to learn that strengthen the development of children’s emotional and social skills. In addition to this, the thesis aims to find ways to teach these skills to children in every day life in the day-care center. The viewpoint of this study is to assume that the emotional and social skills should be taught to every child without the aid of special support, and that instead of preventing negative influences, the adult actively introduces positive elements to child’s every day life that promote the well being of the child. The underlying theme of this study is that teaching social and emotional skills is an important part of early childhood education. The thesis compares and analyses four different methods: Askeleittain method, Huomaa Hyvä, Muksuoppi, and Häijyherneitä ja lempeyslientä. Analysis of the subject matter was conducted, where I searched for frequently emerging themes from these methods. The main results focuses on the themes that were found in all four methods. Based on the analysis, the core skills that reinforce the development of social and emotional life are empathy and sympathy skills, and the ability to connect and be pro-social. In addition to these, self-regulation and problem-solving skills seem to be important. The language that adults use and utilization of means of drama came up as concrete skills how to teach skills stated above. Language has various ways to support the development of child’s emotional social skills. It affects the conversation and discussion with the children, and naming the emotions, feelings and situations the child encounters. Also, the example of an adult, positive supporting of the child and learning sessions are good ways to strengthen the development of social and emotional skills.