BUILDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SOCIAL SKILLS
Abstract
This article discusses the issue of developing emotional intelligence and social skills in preschool education. The concept of emotional intelligence, its theoretical foundations, and its importance in the personal and social development of children are analyzed. Also, methods that serve to develop empathy, self-control, communication culture, and cooperation in preschool children are analyzed – approaches such as role-playing games, fairy tales and stories, collaborative tasks, and art activities. The article also shows the role of cooperation with parents and the advantages of upbringing methods based on national values. The conclusion justifies the necessity of developing emotional intelligence from an early age for the child’s future.
Keywords: emotional intelligence, social skills, empathy, communication culture, preschool education, cooperation.
Enter
In today’s globalization process, one of the main tasks of the educational process is to form not only knowledge and skills, but also personal and social qualities in children. A person’s full self-expression and effective functioning in society are directly related to the level of emotional intelligence (EI).
Psychologists believe that the earlier a child learns to understand his own emotions, manage them, and respond appropriately to the emotions of others, the higher his future educational success and level of adaptation in social life. Therefore, the development of emotional intelligence in the preschool education system is one of the most pressing issues today.
The main part
The concept of emotional intelligence
The concept of “emotional intelligence” was first introduced into scientific circulation by American scientists P. Salovey and J. Mayer. Later, D. Gouleman developed this idea and identified five main components of emotional intelligence:
1. Understanding one’s own emotions;
2. Self-control;
3. Intrinsic motivation;
4. Empathy,
5. Social skills.
These components play an important role in a child’s personal development, educational success, and future professional career.
The importance of emotional intelligence in preschool education
Preschool is a crucial period in the psychological, social, and emotional development of a young child. During this period, the development of emotional intelligence provides the following opportunities:
creates the child’s ability to understand and correctly express their feelings;
managing negative emotions and channeling them constructively;
-develop a culture of communication with peers;
-developing group and team work skills;
enhancing empathy and compassion.
Methods for building social skills
The following methods are effective for developing social skills in children:
is:
1. Role-playing – children learn to understand the feelings of others by acting out different situations.
2. Collaborative tasks develop communication and collaboration by completing tasks together in a small group.
3. Through fairy tales and stories, artistic works instill qualities such as distinguishing between good and evil, kindness, and helpfulness.
4. Artistic activities enhance the ability to express emotions through music, painting, and drama.
5. Cooperation with parents and emotional support in the family ensure psychological stability in children.
Scientific and practical foundations
According to psychological research, the age range of 3-6 years is the most active period in a child’s emotional and social development. Therefore, educators and psychologists should pay special attention to the development of emotional intelligence in children.
The “Concept of Preschool Education” adopted in the Republic of Uzbekistan also identifies social and emotional development in children as one of the priority areas.
Summary
In conclusion, the development of emotional intelligence and social skills is an integral part of the preschool educational process. A child with high emotional intelligence:
-can understand himself and others; -keeps balance in stressful situations;
– establishes positive social relationships;
– achieves high results in education.
Therefore, special programs aimed at developing emotional intelligence in children should be developed in collaboration with educators, parents, and psychologists. This will not only ensure the harmonious formation of the child’s personality, but also create a healthy, tolerant, and cooperative society in the future.
Therefore, developing emotional intelligence is the most important foundation for successfully building a child’s future.
Used literature
1. Salovey P., Mayer J. D. Emotional Intelligence. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 1990.
2. Goleman D. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books, 1995.
3. “Concept of Preschool Education” of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Tashkent, 2019.
4. Karimova V.M. Fundamentals of Psychology. Tashkent, 2018,
5. Methodological manuals of the Ministry of Preschool Education, Tashkent, 2022.
6. Vygotsky L.S. Development of psychology for a child. Moscow, 1984.
7. Shoumarov G. Pedagogical Psychology. Tashkent, 2020.
8. OpenAl. Scientific and analytical materials created using ChatGPT (GPT-5). 2025.
Abdirashidova Ozoda, Born in Chiraqchi district of Kashkadarya region, studied at the Pedagogical Faculty of Karshi State University, majoring in preschool education. Ambassador and member of international organizations. Holder of international certificates.