Find out what the research says about common early childhood program practices, such as playing "Simon Says" or holding children while feeding them--time-tested activities you intuitively know help young children. Social and Emotional Development explores the effectiveness of these early learning tools and helps answer the question, "Why do we do what we do?" Children in child care centers often spend large chunks of time on activities without an obvious academic component, such as learning to dance to different tempos. Research shows, however, that these activities promote children's social and emotional development.

This practical and accessible book explains the research behind many common, wise early childhood practices, as well as the shortcomings of others.

Key topics include:

How to help children form a strong attachment with an adult and foster a feeling of security.
The importance of peer relationships and how to help children learn to take turns, develop empathy, and not act selfishly.
Three forms of self-regulation: controlling impulsive behavior, developing problem-solving ability, and learning to regulate emotions.