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Teaching social skills, especially assertiveness?

CD+ALCD+AL member
in Pre-School and Daycare

DS is a pretty friendly guy, but he can be a little shy and laid-back.  That's not news to me, but I got to observe him at bible school today and noticed something that maybe I should work with him on improving.  They told the kids (mostly 3yos) to "partner up," which most of them were clueless about, but when they finally figured it out, DS ended up being left out all three times. 

In each case, there were two other kids that didn't have partners either, and the leaders tried to match them up.  Each time the other kid rejected DS...once b/c the little girl wanted to be with her friend that she obviously knew really well (friend already had partner) and the other times the kids were having a hard time being there at all (weepy, wanting moms, etc).

DS took it in stride , and I know it bothered me more than him.  However, I'm wondering if there is something that I could do to help him learn to be more assertive in these situations.  He had fun w/his high school aged "partners," but I was really hoping that he'd get a little more time and experience interacting w/his peers.  Or should I just let it go and see how he does at preschool this fall when it's a longer program w/ more consistency?

 
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Re: Teaching social skills, especially assertiveness?

  • shouldbworkinshouldbworkin
    I don't think they really get it yet at that age, which is a good thing.  The most I would do is help him form a deeper bond with 1-2 kids in his class so that the next time something like this happens he will naturally want to partner up with someone.  Maybe set up some playdates and see if he hits it off with anyone in particular.
    DS1 age 7, DD age 5 and DS2 born 4/3/12
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  • photoqueen115photoqueen115

    He's more then likey not socially ready. When my DS started 3 year old preschool this fall none of the kids besides the twins in his class really had any clue about other kids. Now that they are all almost 4 its a totally different situation. They interact and play and have all found their place. My DS who will be 4 in Aug (youngest in his class) still isn't totally socially there yet with the other kids but it doesn't bother him at all.

    They have to be developmentally there and I am sure he will blossom into the little guy you want him to be in preschool.

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