Building Social Stars: How Preschool Shapes Your Child's Social Development

Why Social Skills Matter in Early Childhood

At Runningbrook International Preschool, we understand that a child's social development is just as important as their academic growth. Social skills are the foundation upon which children build relationships, develop emotional intelligence, and eventually navigate the complex social landscapes of adulthood. Research consistently shows that children who develop strong social skills during their early years are more likely to experience academic success, form healthier relationships, and even enjoy better career prospects later in life.

Social development doesn't happen in isolation—it flourishes in environments specifically designed to nurture these skills through guided interactions, play-based learning, and thoughtful mentorship. That's why our multicultural, bilingual preschool creates intentional opportunities for social growth within all our programs, from our Growing Steps program for infants as young as 6 months to our Pre-Kinder program for children preparing to transition to primary education.

How Preschool Environments Foster Social Development

The preschool setting offers unique advantages for social skill development that even the most attentive home environment cannot fully replicate. Here's how structured preschool experiences help children become socially confident:

• Peer Interaction: Our small group sizes create the perfect balance—enough peers to practice social skills, but not so many that children feel overwhelmed. Children learn to share toys, take turns, and resolve conflicts through daily interactions with classmates from diverse backgrounds.
• Guided Practice: Our dedicated educators model appropriate social behaviors and gently guide children through challenging social situations. Rather than solving problems for them, we help children develop their own social problem-solving toolkit.
• Structured and Unstructured Play: Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces provide both organized activities and free play time. Structured activities teach children to follow directions and work cooperatively, while unstructured play allows them to practice negotiation, leadership, and creative collaboration.
• Multicultural Exposure: With families from over 35 countries represented in our community, children naturally develop cultural sensitivity and global awareness—increasingly important social skills in our interconnected world.

At Runningbrook, we carefully observe each child's social development journey and provide personalized support where needed. Our bilingual environment also gives children the confidence to communicate across language barriers, an invaluable social skill in today's global society.

Practical Tips for Supporting Your Child's Social Skills at Home

As parents, you play a crucial role in reinforcing the social skills your child is developing at preschool. Here are some practical strategies to extend social learning beyond our classroom walls:

• Create Playdate Opportunities: Arrange regular playdates with peers from school or your neighborhood. Start with shorter one-on-one interactions for younger children and gradually move to small group settings as they grow.
• Model Healthy Social Interactions: Children learn by watching you! Demonstrate kindness, active listening, and respectful conflict resolution in your own interactions.
• Practice Emotional Vocabulary: Help your child name their feelings and recognize emotions in others. Phrases like "You seem frustrated" or "That made you happy" build emotional intelligence.
• Role-Play Social Scenarios: Use dolls, stuffed animals, or imaginative play to practice difficult social situations like sharing, entering play groups, or handling disappointment.
• Read Books About Friendship: Children's literature offers wonderful opportunities to discuss social concepts. Ask questions like "How do you think the character felt when...?" or "What could they have done differently?"
• Establish Family Routines for Taking Turns: Simple activities like board games or family discussions where each person speaks in turn reinforce important social protocols.
• Celebrate Social Victories: Acknowledge when your child successfully navigates social challenges. Specific praise like "I noticed how you waited patiently for your turn" reinforces these behaviors.

Remember that social development follows a natural progression, and children develop these skills at different rates. At Runningbrook, we celebrate each child's unique social journey while providing the structure and guidance needed to help them flourish.

The Long-Term Benefits of Early Social Skill Development

The social foundations built during the preschool years yield benefits that extend far beyond childhood. Research shows that children with strong early social skills are more likely to:

• Transition more successfully to primary school
• Develop stronger academic performance
• Experience better mental health outcomes
• Form healthier relationships throughout life
• Demonstrate greater career success and satisfaction

By prioritizing social development alongside academic skills, Runningbrook's approach prepares children not just for school, but for life. Our nearly three decades of experience serving families in Santiago has shown us repeatedly that socially confident children become capable, compassionate, and successful adults.

We invite you to visit our center and observe how our unique learning environment nurtures these essential social skills. Whether your child is just beginning their developmental journey in our Growing Steps program or preparing for the transition to primary school in our Pre-Kinder program, we're committed to supporting their social growth every step of the way.

At Runningbrook International Preschool, we don't just educate children—we help them develop the social foundation they'll build upon for a lifetime.