Ready for School, Prepared for Life: Part 2 - Social Competence & Social Justice

At Magic Garden, learning is not only about knowledge — it’s also about relationships, belonging, and becoming part of a community.

Social competence and social justice begins early. Children learn how to:

• care for themselves

• connect with others

• manage emotions

• develop fairness and empathy

• work through challenges with growing responsibility

These are essential skills for school readiness and long-term wellbeing.

Why Social Learning Matters

Strong social foundations support:

• confidence and resilience

• emotional regulation and self-control

• friendship building and cooperation

• communication and problem solving

• leadership and responsibility

These are the skills children use every day at school and throughout life.

What This Looks Like by Age

6 months – 2 years

Children build security, trust, and early connection.

• forming strong attachment relationships with consistent adults

• learning through care routines like eating, sleeping, changing, washing hands

• building early independence through small achievable steps

• developing early awareness of others and shared spaces

• exploring boundaries safely through supported play

2 – 3 years

Children develop confidence, communication, and early friendship skills.

• practising turn-taking and sharing with support

• learning how to join play and stay connected with others

• building independence through self-care routines

• navigating strong emotions and growing self-control

• beginning to understand fairness in everyday situations

3 – 5 years

Children strengthen self-mastery, empathy, and group learning.

• building deeper friendships and cooperative play

• negotiating roles, rules, and shared ideas

• learning to resolve conflict and repair relationships

• practising leadership, responsibility, and inclusion

• developing empathy, kindness, and early advocacy for others

The Reggio Influence

Reggio-inspired learning recognises children as citizens in their own community. At Magic Garden, children are supported to belong, contribute, and build strong relationships through everyday experiences.

This builds children who are confident socially, emotionally capable, and ready to participate in school life.

A Strong Foundation for Life

Children who feel secure and socially confident are more likely to:

• participate in learning

• build friendships

• cope with challenges

• enjoy school and feel successful