Question 1
What is the difference between feelings of competence and feelings of social acceptance? Can a child have positive views of self in one of these areas and NOT the other? How can culture influence these feelings?Question 2
How do friendships change in the primary years, and what role do they serve in overall well-being?Answer 1
Suggested Responses: Students should define feelings of competence as related to success in and out of school and social acceptance as related to perceptions about how well one is liked by peers and adults - by one's popularity. The two types of self-evaluation are distinct and somewhat unrelated at this age. One can perceive one's self as competent but not feel socially accepted. Alternately, one can perceive one's self as popular but not feel competent. Collectivist cultures often hold inclusive views of self that connect feelings of accomplishments or competencies that are related to the entire family or community rather than to individual achievements.Answer 2
Suggested Responses: Students should express the growing importance of friendship in children's lives. Children without friends report loneliness and have difficulty transitioning to elementary school or to a new classroom. Friends can act as a "secure base" for one another during the adjustment period in a new classroom. Students should also mention that friendship become more intimate and emotionally supportive, and that the number of true friendships usually shrinks to just a few closer friends. At this age, children are also more likely to choose friends whom they admire and who are like them.