Social and emotional development Children who feel good about themselves and their ability to learn have the confidence needed to explore new situations and to gain new knowledge. This self-confidence comes in large part from the positive feedback of parents and other important adults. On the other hand, a child whose actions are mostly punished or ignored quickly becomes apathetic, unwilling to try new things, and therefore less able to gain new knowledge. These actions build upon each other. The confident child is encouraged to learn more and to continue to seek new information, while the apathetic child lags further behind and is less willing to seek new information.
Social skills are also important.
Traditional approaches to education have de-emphasized this area, expecting children to sit quietly and listen to the teacher. But, increasingly we are recognizing that getting along with others is a skill that children will always need and that talking about new ideas actually increases children's understanding. Opportunities to work and play with other children, beginning at an early age, let children practice social skills and learn to get along with one another. Approaches to learning As important as what children know, are the ways that children approach the task of learning. As with all types of learning, children learn language best not through drill and practice, but as a result of meaningful experiences.