ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on social learning in the early years and examines a range of issues related to social learning in the early years. Young children develop socially at an amazing pace during the first six years of their life. However, this development takes place at varying paces for different children. The development of social competence in children in the early years is crucial. Relationships are at the centre of learning and social knowledge is the foundation of children's learning in pre-school. In diverse socio-cultural situations children are faced with different expectations from the adults in their families and educational settings. Their social experiences are unique to them. They are also offered different opportunities to practice what is valued most in specific socio-cultural settings. Positive early relationships motivate children to please and to get on well with others, so developing a sense of what is right and wrong.
