Childhood Map

Discover the amazing things 5-year-olds are learning — from climbing and jumping to friendships, feelings, and first words on a page. Each skill comes with fun activities you can try together.

Physical & Motor 8 › Sensory 8 › Executive 7 › Cognitive 6 › Language 5 › Communication 5 › Emotional 5 › Social 6 › Self-Care 7 › Literacy 4 › Math 5 › Creative & Artistic 5 › World & Science 5 ›
by Robert Pankowecki
Communication & Pragmatics

The social use of language — how children use verbal and non-verbal means to interact, share meaning, and navigate social situations.

Sources (5)
  • Head Start ELOF (Language & Communication)
  • SLP Standards (Pragmatic Language)
  • CASEL (Relationship Skills)
  • UK EYFS (Communication & Language)
  • Teaching Strategies GOLD
5 Subdomains
Conversational Skills › Social & Pragmatic Language › Theory of Mind › Narrative & Discourse Skills › Non-Verbal Communication ›
Social & Pragmatic Language

Adjusting communication style based on context, audience, and social conventions.

Examples & Achievements

  • Uses polite forms (please, thank you, excuse me)
  • Speaks more quietly in a library than on a playground
  • Uses different language with a teacher vs. a peer
  • Understands and uses basic social scripts (greetings, farewells, introductions)
  • Asks for help or permission appropriately

How to Measure

  • Uses polite forms spontaneously in 80%+ of opportunities (observed)
  • Adjusts voice volume for setting (observed in 2+ different environments)
  • Pragmatic Language Skills Inventory (PLSI)
  • Teacher rating of social communication
Sources (3)
  • SLP Standards
  • CASEL
  • Montessori (Grace & Courtesy)

Childhood Map › Communication & Pragmatics

Social & Pragmatic Language

Adjusting communication style based on context, audience, and social conventions.

Examples & Achievements

How to Measure

Sources