When children step into a nursery classroom for the first time, they're entering a space that is about much more than ABCs, numbers, or playtime. These early years form the foundation for social and emotional development, where children begin to understand what it means to live, learn, and thrive as part of a group.

Among the most important lessons nurseries teach are sharing, caring for others, and the art of turn-taking—skills that shape not just classroom harmony but lifelong character.

Why Social Skills Matter in the Early Years

Social skills are just as essential as cognitive and academic learning in early childhood. In fact, many child development experts argue that they lay the groundwork for future success. The ability to share, wait patiently, and show empathy influences how children build friendships, solve conflicts, and adapt to structured environments like school and beyond.

Nurseries are the perfect setting for practicing these skills. Surrounded by peers and guided by teachers, children are constantly navigating small but meaningful social interactions: passing crayons during art, waiting for a turn on the slide, or comforting a classmate who feels upset. Each of these moments builds emotional intelligence step by step.

Learning to Share: A First Step Toward Cooperation

Sharing doesn't always come naturally to young children—especially when favourite toys or coveted resources are involved. However, nursery classrooms create an environment where sharing becomes both encouraged and celebrated. By introducing shared play areas, group projects, and team games, teachers show children that cooperation is more rewarding than keeping everything to oneself.

Through gentle guidance and positive reinforcement, children begin to see that sharing leads to laughter, connection, and new friendships. They discover that sometimes giving up a toy means gaining a playmate.

Caring: Building Empathy and Compassion

Another key lesson learned at nursery is caring for others. Children at this age are just beginning to understand emotions—their own and those of others. Teachers nurture empathy by encouraging small acts of kindness: offering a tissue to a crying friend, helping a classmate tidy up, or saying kind words when someone feels left out.

These everyday gestures may seem small, but they teach children how to notice and respond to the needs of others. Empathy is a skill that grows with practice, and the nursery environment gives children plenty of opportunities to exercise their “caring muscles.”

Turn-Taking: Patience in Action

Turn-taking is perhaps one of the most practical social lessons taught at nursery. Whether it's waiting in line, taking turns with classroom equipment, or speaking during circle time, children learn the importance of patience and fairness.

Turn-taking also introduces the concept of delayed gratification—a skill linked to better self-control and problem-solving later in life. Children discover that waiting for their turn doesn't mean missing out; instead, it's part of being fair and respectful in a group.

The Nursery Environment That Shapes Social Growth

Choosing the right nursery plays a crucial role in how children develop these skills. For families looking for a nursery in South London, the best environments are those that blend structured routines with opportunities for free play, allowing children to practice social interactions in different contexts.

Schools like Herne Hill Montessori Nursery are especially recognised for their child-led approach, which encourages children to engage with peers respectfully, build independence, and learn empathy through collaboration.

How Parents Can Reinforce These Lessons at Home

The partnership between nursery and home is vital. Parents can strengthen social skills by:

  • Encouraging siblings to share toys or snacks.

  • Setting up playdates to practice turn-taking in new settings.

  • Modeling empathy by showing kindness and talking about feelings.

  • Praising children for small acts of caring and cooperation.

By reinforcing these skills both at home and in nursery, children gain consistency, making social lessons second nature.

Final Thoughts

Sharing, caring, and turn-taking are more than just nursery buzzwords—they are life skills. They help children form strong friendships, resolve conflicts with grace, and develop a sense of responsibility toward others. Nurseries provide the perfect “practice ground” for these values, giving children a safe space to learn from both successes and mistakes.

When children master these social lessons in their early years, they carry them forward into primary school, adolescence, and adulthood—shaping them into empathetic, cooperative, and kind individuals.