At Pomarańczowa Ciuchcia we believe that kindergarten is more than just a place where a child is prepared for school – it is a space where skills needed throughout adult life are developed every day. Emotional and social competences, the ability to cooperate, communication, independence and creative thinking are the pillars of our educational and upbringing work. See how we support these competences in practice – every day, wisely and with full commitment.
Topics of classes developing emotional and social competences in the Orange Ciuchcia kindergarten
Activities supporting development emotional and social competences in kindergarten We run the Orange Train every day because we believe that this area is key to children's future success in adulthood. A child who learns to recognize and express emotions, resolve conflicts, and cooperate in kindergarten gains more than just a "good start at school." They gain tools and strategies they will need in relationships with others, coping with stress, or building self-esteem.
We base our educational program on “Karina Relacji” based on nonviolent communication and positive discipline.
Topics of classes developing emotional and social competences in kindergartenthat we implement include:
- Oh, those emotions – what are emotions and how to deal with them?
- How to be a true friend?
- I like winning, I know how to lose – or how to deal with defeat?
- The Path to Agreement, or What is the Solutions Table for?
- I like you and I say no – or how to set boundaries with respect for others.
- A place where I can feel better – or the magical power of self-regulation.
All these issues are part of work plan for classes developing emotional and social competences in kindergarten, and their goal is to support children in building healthy self-esteem, communication skills and pro-social attitudes.
If you are interested in well thought out and proven work methods in kindergarten, we invite you to visit our entry: Kindergarten work methods – how do children learn?
Exercises developing emotional and social competences in the Orange Ciuchcia kindergarten
And what does it look like in practice?
- We don't have any duty officers - only group positions. Every child has a task to do every day - so that they can make a real contribution to the life of the group.
- There is no raising of hands – there are sticks to ensure that all children have a chance to speak during the classes.
- There is no place for children to sit and think about their behavior - but there is a place where they can feel better.
- There are no punishments or rewards, but there is motivation, appreciation and focus on solutions.
- And there is a special time for the child to play with the teacher.
And an example exercises developing emotional and social competences in kindergarten, which we conduct regularly:
Games that develop emotional and social competences in kindergarten:
- "Magic Bag of Feelings" - drawing situations and discussing reactions
- "Master of cooperation" - group tasks requiring agreement and a common strategy
- "The Anger Wheel" - ways for children to self-regulate, or ways to deal with frustration and difficult emotions
- "Solution Table" - Strategies for Dealing with Conflict
- “Bites and Wishes” – Communicating your needs and boundaries with respect
The development of emotional and social competences is also supported by our Integration Groups (see how they work) and activities such as Multisensory or Rytmics in kindergarten, which teach empathy, attentiveness to the needs of oneself and others, and cooperation.
Eight key competencies in the Orange Ciuchcia kindergarten
Key competencies are a set of skills, attitudes and knowledge that every child develops on their educational path. Although they are often associated with school, their foundation is created in kindergarten! Check how we support development 8 key competencies in our facility – every day, in a natural way and adapted to the age of the children.
- Communicating in your native language
We support children in expressing themselves richly and correctly, as well as in developing reading and writing skills – using a modern, age-appropriate method of glottodidactics. Children learn letters actively, through play, and their language development takes place at an individual pace. Every day we talk, listen to stories, create our own books, learn rhymes and riddles, which develops not only language but also imagination. We encourage children to express emotions, talk about their experiences and ask questions. We create a space where every child feels heard.
- Communication in foreign languages
In our Bilingual kindergarten children learn a foreign language every day in a natural way – through language immersion. This means that the second language accompanies them in everyday situations: during play, meals, thematic activities. Thanks to this, children become familiar with the language as with their native language – without pressure, in a friendly environment.
Additionally, our 6-year-olds participate in Spanish language classes, which develops their linguistic sensitivity, openness to other cultures and strengthens their communicative competences.
- Mathematical competences and basic scientific and technical competences
Our approach to mathematics is based on the methodology of Edyta Gruszczyk-Kolczyńska, which emphasizes experiencing, understanding and living mathematics. Children learn to count, compare, classify, solve problems in a way close to everyday life. We also experiment with simple natural phenomena, developing cognitive curiosity and cause-and-effect thinking.
- Digital competences
We develop digital competences through active work with modern educational technologies, adapted to the age of the children. We use a robot EMYS, which supports the learning of foreign languages, Zośka robot for learning coding offline, as well as ozobots and Genibots, which introduce children to the world of programming and logical thinking. Children learn not only how to use tools, but above all: planning activities, predicting effects and cooperating in a group. All this in an atmosphere of fun, without pressure and with a huge dose of satisfaction from creating.
- Lifelong learning (learning to learn)
In our daily work, we show children that learning is a lifelong process and can be a source of joy.. We encourage independent discovery, experimentation and questioning. Children learn to plan their own actions, make attempts and draw conclusions.
We focus on consciously building internal motivation – children learn for themselves, not “for a grade”. We remind them that mistakes are a natural part of development, and persistence and curiosity are their superpowers.
We create conditions in which each child can act at their own pace, develop interests and experience a sense of agency. – because that’s when the real desire to learn is born.
- Social and civic competences
In our facility, we teach children how to be together – with empathy, understanding and responsibility for themselves and others. From the youngest age, we introduce elements of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), thanks to which children learn to express their needs and feelings in a calm and constructive way. We create a space for conversation, resolving conflicts and building relationships based on respect. In the everyday functioning of the group, children play responsible roles by taking on "group positions" – "table", "chair" or "book". Such tasks teach co-responsibility, commitment and independence, and at the same time give children a sense of influence and agency. Joint group activities, kindergarten councils, joint establishment of rules and joint celebration of successes teach children how to function in a community, be responsible for the common good and actively participate in the life of the group.
- Initiative and entrepreneurship
In our work, we focus on the creative courage and agency of the child. We teach children that their ideas matter – they are listened to, supported and implemented. Children have the opportunity to independently plan games, organize activities in thematic corners, initiate joint projects or even prepare performances and shows for the group. As part of classes developing entrepreneurial competences, we implement an original program and project "The Little Financier", thanks to which six-year-olds:
- learn the value of money,
- they learn to save and plan expenses
- understand the differences between needs and wants,
- make purchasing decisions based on resources and purpose.
- Cultural awareness and expression
We support children in expressing themselves through music, dance, art and theatre. We learn about different forms of art, celebrate traditions from different cultures (also thanks to the bilingual environment), perform on kindergarten stages, visit galleries and invite artists. We encourage children to express themselves creatively and respect diversity.
Want to know how all this fits into the educational requirements? Read about Core curriculum in kindergarten.
In an orange clothes developing key competences in kindergarten it's not theory, but everyday practice. Our team can respond to children's needs and creates a safe, supportive environment. If you are looking for a place that cares about the all-round development of your child, get to know our Private kindergartens in Warsaw.
We also especially recommend ours Adaptation classes – the perfect start to a preschool adventure!
Key competencies in kindergarten – regulation clearly indicates that it is the kindergarten that is supposed to prepare the child not only for learning at school, but also for life in the modern world. At Pomarańczowa Ciuchcia we accept this challenge with passion and commitment!
AUTHOR:
Joanna Goc-Matyskiel
teacher, Positive Discipline educator, TUS and critical thinking trainer
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