Join us for our next
TECPA Program
Real & Imaginary
Friends: Their Role in
Developing Social
Competence
Presented by: Tracy Gleason, Ph.D.
Probably the most important task of early childhood is learning to make a meaningful social connection with a peer. Naturally, these early social ties are rife with confusion as invitations to play are ignored or misinterpreted and negotiation of conflict is negligible. Nevertheless, within a few short years, most children have successfully made a friend, and have figured out a whole host of important relationship distinctions, such as which relationships are emotionally fulfilling and which are based purely on a mutual love of playing in the sand. Many children often address these problems in relationships that they create with imaginary companions. Pretend friends are a wonderful way to practice and experience the emotions associated with relationships without any long-­‐term consequences. Consequently, a true grasp of the development of early relationships requires attention to both real and imaginary friends. Tracy Gleason is a Professor of Psychology at Wellesley College. She is also the Psychological Director of the Wellesley College Child Study Center, and has a background in both developmental psychology and early childhood education. A graduate of the Institute of Child Development of the University of Minnesota (PhD 1998), she earned a license in Early Childhood Education in Minnesota during the course of her training. Her research is focused on understanding how children perceive their relationships with others, particularly peers and parents, and is conducted within the context of the study of classroom peer relationships and friendships and particularly young children’s relationships with imaginary companions. She has also done research on imaginary relationships in adolescents and young adults, and has a secondary line of research in moral development. When:
Wednesday, February 24, 2015
Where:
Morse Institute Library, Lebowitz Meeting Hall, Natick, MA
Time:
6:30-8:30 p.m., a light dinner will be provided from 6:00-6:30
Cost:
$25.00 per person
EEC Core Competency – Area 1: Understanding the Growth & Development of Children and Youth
Instructional Method: Lecture & Classroom Discussion
Seating is limited. Registration is available online at www.tecpa.org
Please check out our TECPA website for information about all our upcoming programs and our other training
venues. You can find us at www.tecpa.org.
Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TecpaTraining
The Early Childhood Professional Association
www.tecpa.org
508-655-3813