Strategies to Enhance Social Interaction Skills of Children During Playtime

Running Record
Introduction
I visited Ledgewood and observed toddlers between the ages 1 and 2. In this class, there were 16
children from different ethnic backgrounds, one teacher and two assistant teachers. With
different ethnic backgrounds, the teachers use a common language best understood by every
child. I observed how the children were playing and the activities that enhanced social
interactions among them. To assist in social interactions, the teachers used different tactics. One
of them was making the children communicate. By using verbal and non-verbal cues, the
teachers taught the children how to interact, express and respond to social stimulus. The teachers
also provide a conducive environment for social interactions by enabling them play with other
children. Moreover, the teachers only intervened when necessary.
Analysis
From my observation, the toddlers who were in a group were more engaged, both physically and
socially. Even though they could not communicate, they uttered blabbering words to one another
and grabbed toys from each another, a sign that they wanted to be engaged. Some of them
nodded when the teachers engaged them and sometimes pointed fingers towards a given
direction to indicate that there was successful interaction. In most instances, the toddlers in
groups were hitting, throwing or grunting in one another’s direction. This prompted more crying
from the toddlers. The one toddler I was observing on the other hand was able to form and
maintain relationships with other children. However she was a little more curious and kept
exploring lots of toys. At one point she firmly said no in a rough voice when another child tried
grabbing her toys.
Reflection
Benefit the Infant/Toddler
The toddler looks lonely. Therefore, the toddler needs to be in a group play. This is to ensure that
she learns how to effectively sort out conflicts as well as how to compromise. However, she
should not be forced to cooperate with other children as this may delay her social development.
The child should also be provided with choices and left to make thoughtful decisions. The child
also needs a bigger space for running and jumping freely.
Group of Infants/Toddlers
The playgroups need to be split into smaller and manageable numbers. This way, the children
cannot be crying and fighting over toys. To help develop cognitive abilities among these
toddlers, the teachers need to involve them in activities such as sing-alongs to help promote
memory and word identification. The toddlers should also be engaged in a variety of games so as
to encourage problem solving and creativity. The children should also visit new interesting