ERIC Number: ED389464
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1995
Pages: 57
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
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Improving Prosocial Skills through Developmentally Appropriate Strategies and Activities in a Prekindergarten Classroom.
Conway, Dana
By means of a series of educational activities over 8 months, this practicum study sought to institute a prosocial curriculum for preschool children. The curriculum was meant to teach trust, autonomy, and skills for handling aggressive feelings. Subjects were 18 four- and five-year-old children. Activities exposed children to areas such as: (1) physical differences and abilities; (2) body awareness, especially in relation to space and motion; (3) concepts of smoothness, touch, gentleness, and roughness; (4) awareness of sounds and of the emotions potentially connected to them; (5) development of a sense of trust and self-control; (6) the value of partnerships; (7) conflict resolution skills; and (8) kindness. Activities promoting these concepts were conducted for approximately one half hour each school day. Results showed that, although some children have trouble adapting to group environments, increasing their sense of autonomy and trust assists in their adaptation. Exposure to violence is a difficult force to counteract; however, activities which communicate the consequences of violent behavior can decrease this behavior. Children developed prosocial skills, gained in emotional development, and increased their abilities to cooperate and to resolve conflicts peacefully. (Three appendices include pre- and posttest results of the Personal/Social Skills Rating Scale. Contains 35 references.) (JW)
Descriptors: Adjustment (to Environment), Aggression, Altruism, Change Strategies, Cognitive Development, Cooperation, Curriculum Development, Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Educational Strategies, Instructional Improvement, Instructional Innovation, Interpersonal Competence, Learning Activities, Preschool Children, Preschool Education, Prosocial Behavior, Social Influences
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Practicum Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Note: Ed.D. Practicum Report, Nova Southeastern University.