About Sociograms
In short, a sociogram is a visual representation of social interactions and relationships. This can be useful in understanding, managing, and planning an early learning environment. Such an illustration might help you see that a child is socially isolated, or that another is a conversation initiator with most of her peers, or that a third kid tends to prefer playing alone.
Creating an accurate visual representation of your early learning setting’s social dynamics requires a fair amount of observation.
Some things you can diagram:
- Mutual or one-way interactions
- Positive or negative interactions
- Leaders and followers
- Language interactions
- Who initiates interactions
- Who initiates conflict
- Who initiates play
- Preferred playmates
Generally, a sociogram consists of a diagram noting the names of individuals with color-coded lines and other notations highlighting how the named individuals interact. These interactions can get quite complicated, so a key explaining the notations is usually included.
Related Forms
Here are links to a couple of free sociogram observation forms I created:
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Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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