“When {child_name} plays with other children, does {he_she} take turns, share, work things out together?”
Follow-up: “Does {he_she} have a regular friend or two — children {he_she} looks for at the school gate?”
Not yet
Plays alongside others but rarely cooperates; struggles to share
Emerging
Takes turns when reminded; some shared play
Developing
Plays cooperatively with one or two friends; takes turns most of the time
Secure
Cooperates in groups, forms friendships, takes turns smoothly, shows sensitivity to others' needs
Peer skills come from peer time — even one regular playdate a week makes a difference.