ECE 130 Social Cognition Brochure

Social cognition is the ability to think about the self and other people. Current research suggests that infants are able to distinguish themselves from their environment early in their development. The ability to differentiate the self from one’s surroundings and from other individuals grows with age. Proceeding from concrete to abstract to metacognitive, children learn to understand not only their own thinking, but also to consider the perspectives of others. The hallmark of social cognition is the development of self-awareness leading to complex understandings of how one fits into one’s social worlds. As children think about themselves and others, children increase their sense of self and develop the vital skill of perspective taking. Gradually children form an understanding of their own self-concept, one that is enduring and evaluative. Sensitive and collaborative environments can enhance social skills and judgements of self-worth.

In the classroom, increasing social cognition and enhancing social problem-solving skills has value in improving socially competent behavior, and reducing and resolving disagreements. Toward that end, multiple interventions have been developed to improve peer relations and reduce the risk of adjustment difficulties.

For this assignment, create a family-friendly digital brochure that explains the following:

• The various stages of development of social cognition and self-awareness in early childhood, along with the emotional and social capacities it supports in young children from birth to grade 3
• How teachers and families can work simultaneously to foster social cognition and self-awareness in students
• How self-awareness can support self-monitoring and identifying feelings and thoughts of self and others, as well as how teachers/families can support the development of self-awareness
• How learned helplessness is developed and how it affects the sense of self, as well as how teachers/families can prevent or hinder the growth of learned helplessness
• The effects a Montessori and a traditional classroom setting has on typical social and emotional development of young children

Use 3-5 scholarly resources to support your research.

While GCU style format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using documentation guidelines, which can be found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.