A Study On The Relationship Between Playfulness And Social Ability In Children Aged 3-5

Playfulness is not only to judge whether an activity is a game,but also a child’s personality.A variety of previous studies have shown that children who play better develop better in other areas and are able to face with a positive and optimistic attitude in later life.Social Competence is mainly an individual’s ability to adapt to and cope with the surrounding natural environment and social needs.It is an important part of children’s psychological development.This paper discusses the relationship between children’s playfulness and social competence,in order to help nurturers and teachers to cultivate children’s playfulness and social competence,so as to improve children’s all-round development.In this study,460 children aged 3-5 years in six kindergartens in Ordos city,Inner Mongolia were selected as samples.On the basis of referring to the existing literature,this paper investigates the development of children’s playfulness and social competence by means of questionnaire and interview,and discusses the relationship between them.The results showed:1.The overall performance of children aged 3 to 5 is above the average level.2.There is no significant gender difference in the total score of children’s playfulness and its five dimensions;Children’s playfulness increases with age.There were significant age differences in the total score of children’s playfulness and its five dimensions.Children’s total score of playfulness,other five sides showed significant differences in nurturer,but there was no significant difference in sense of humor.3.The overall performance of social Competence of children aged 3 to 5 is above the average level.4.There were no significant gender differences in the total score of children’s social competence,anxiety-withdrawal,and significant gender differences in the dimensions of angry aggression and sensitive cooperation.Children’s social competence improve with age.There were significant age differences in the total score of children’s social competence and its three dimensions.There are significant differences in nurturer in the total score of children’s social competence and its three dimensions.5.The total score of playfulness and its five dimensions are positively correlated with the total score of social competence and sensitive cooperation,and negatively correlated with anxiety withdrawal and anger aggression.6.The five dimensions of playfulness have a significant positive predictive effect on the total score of social competence and sensitive cooperation,and a significant negative predictive effect on anxiety withdrawal and angry aggression.According to the research results,this study puts forward the following Suggestions from the perspectives of family and teachers:This study makes the following recommendations:1.Nurturer should recognize the importance of playfulness.2.Parents should increase communication and company with children.3.Grandparents should guide children’s play correctly.4.Parents and grandparents should establish a good co-education relationship.5.Teachers should attach importance to children’s playfulness.6.Teachers should enhance children’s pleasurable experience.7.Teachers should improve children’s sense of humor.8.Teachers and families should strengthen cooperation at home and work together to help children develop playfulness.