PUB TYPE Dissertations/Theses Practicum Papers (043)

By means of a series of educational activities over 8 months, this practicum study sought to institute a prosocial curriculum for preschool children. The curriculum was meant to teach trust, autonomy, and skills for handling aggressive feelings. Subjects were 18 four- and five-year-old children. Activities eYposed children to areas such as: (1) physical differences and abilities; (2) body awareness, especially in relation to space and mGcion; (3) concepts of smoothness, touch, gentleness, and roughness; (4) awareness of sounds and of the emotions potentially connected to them; (5) development of a sense of trust and self-control; (6) the value of partnerships; (7) conflict resolution skills; and (8) kindness. Activities promoting these concepts were conducted for approximately one half hour each school day. Results showed that, although some children have trouble adapting to group environments