Nursery World - Being sociable

'Being good with people' has always been recognised as a strength in people's work and personal lives. Perhaps this is even more crucial in today's world, when the pace of life does not readily allow time for personal contacts. This situation is certainly not the case in early years settings, whose most noticeable aspect is likely to be their social ethos. Children are open and friendly. They chatter as they work and play. Disputes that flare up are usually settled amicably. The whole basis for young children and adults living and working together is founded on good relationships. We recognise that children are growing up in a social world and that from an early age they need to learn how to rub along with others.

This situation is certainly not the case in early years settings, whose most noticeable aspect is likely to be their social ethos. Children are open and friendly. They chatter as they work and play. Disputes that flare up are usually settled amicably. The whole basis for young children and adults living and working together is founded on good relationships. We recognise that children are growing up in a social world and that from an early age they need to learn how to rub along with others.

The critical point is that this sociable environment is not always achieved easily. In interpersonal skills children aged under five are, as with everything else, inexperienced. Considerable social learning skills are involved in adapting to being part of a group of people, and this will necessarily form a major part of the nursery curriculum.

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