Social skills make up a large part of a child’s early development. If a child is unable to play well with peers, act as part of a group, or work by himself, he can feel alienated.
Furthermore, social skills can often jumpstart a child’s self-confidence. Understanding cooperative play, turn-taking, and the ability to follow and receive direction help establish a child’s lifelong interest in learning.
Social “readiness” can be an issue in a number of areas. For instance, occupational therapists often treat children who cannot handle being outside, an area where lots of social interaction occurs. It’s important to remember that in maximizing a child’s scholastic capabilities, social and behavioral readiness provide an important piece of potential. These traits help children feel connected to their peers and to the importance of schooling.