Strategies

• When possible, use mealtimes as an opportunity for all the children to socialize and be together.
• Help younger children notice other’s feelings. Older children can be models for younger children as they increasingly express their feelings through words, rather than behaviors.
• Create opportunities for all children to cooperate in a variety of daily tasks and routines, making use of their individual abilities. Younger children can help with cleaning up while older children can help with setting the table or serving younger children.
• Encourage children of all ages to offer and accept comfort from each other when they are hurt or sad. Younger children may offer a hug and older children may offer encouragement.
• Build into the daily routine time and space where children can be by themselves or with one other child. Additionally, include experiences and materials older children can enjoy separate from younger children.
• Talk about similar interests and experiences between older and younger children. Focus on and acknowledge each child’s strengths and talents.
• Encourage older children to think of ways to include younger children in their activities such as finding roles for them in their dramatic play.
• Use conflicts as opportunities to help children learn to problem solve by using their words, listening to others and together reaching a solution. Children who are not fairly matched may need your help through this process.
• Limit “all together” approach to activities such as whole group book reading. Instead offer projects where everyone can contribute. Ex. offer finger painting with an edible medium or dancing to music. Encourage and support children to participate based on their ability.
• Offer materials that can be used in a variety of ways by children of different ages & skill levels. Ex. balls, play dough, boxes, blocks, arts and craft materials. As children mature they will use the materials in increasingly complex ways.