Building Social Literacy Skills in Young Children

Raising young children is about more than teaching them numbers, colors, and letters. A big part of early learning is helping children build social literacy. Social literacy is the ability to connect with others, understand feelings, and express needs in healthy ways. For toddlers and preschoolers, this means learning how to share, use words instead of actions, and talk about what is happening inside their bodies and minds.

When children learn these skills early, they gain tools to build friendships, manage emotions, and handle problems in positive ways. Caregivers can play a powerful role in shaping these skills at home, in childcare, and during everyday routines. Here are three important areas to focus on: taking turns, naming feelings, and using body awareness to express pain or discomfort.

1. Taking Turns and Sharing

Turn-taking is one of the first building blocks of social interaction. For very young children, the idea of waiting while someone else gets a chance can feel hard. But learning to take turns helps children see that relationships are about balance, not just getting what they want right away.

How to teach it:

• Model the behavior. During play, say, “It’s my turn to roll the ball. Now it’s your turn!” Children learn by watching and repeating.
  
  

• Use short waiting times. A toddler may not be able to wait five minutes, but 20 seconds is realistic. Stretch the time little by little as they grow.
  
  

• Praise success. When a child hands over a toy or waits for their turn, highlight it: “You waited for your turn! That was kind.”

Taking turns helps children practice patience and respect. It also builds the foundation for later skills like teamwork and cooperation.

2. Using Words for Feelings

Toddlers often show big emotions with their bodies: crying, stomping, or even hitting. This is normal, but it can be frustrating for both children and caregivers. Teaching kids the language of feelings gives them a healthier way to communicate.

How to teach it:

• Name emotions in the moment. If a child is upset, say, “You look sad that your toy broke,” or “I see you’re excited to play outside.”
  
  

• Keep it simple. Start with basic feelings: happy, sad, mad, scared. Over time, add more: frustrated, nervous, proud, or excited.
  
  

• Model expression. Use your own feelings as examples: “I feel a little frustrated because the line is long. Taking a deep breath helps me wait.”
  

When children learn to name emotions, they feel understood. They also gain the words to ask for help instead of acting out. This builds confidence and reduces conflict.

For more information on parenting topics and to get in touch with a qualified professional for parenting support, please visit forwardleadingfamilies.org.