How to Support Social-Emotional Learning in Preschoolers

 How to Support Social-Emotional Learning in Preschoolers

As preschoolers begin their journey through early education, their development isn’t limited to academic skills alone. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is just as crucial, as it lays the foundation for how children will interact with others, manage their emotions, and solve problems throughout their lives. A strong social-emotional base in the early years of education helps children build resilience, empathy, and self-regulation—skills that are essential for both school and life success.

For educators and parents alike, understanding how to nurture these skills in young children is vital. At places like Bundara Kindergarten, educators focus on supporting the development of emotional intelligence and positive social skills through a range of strategies and activities tailored to preschoolers’ needs.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning refers to the process through which children learn to understand and manage their emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations in a constructive way. These abilities are critical for building a sense of self-worth, empathy for others, and effective communication skills.

Preschoolers, by nature, are just beginning to understand and express their feelings, and they are learning to navigate the complex world of friendships, conflicts, and emotions. Supporting their growth in these areas equips them with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and socially as they continue their education and beyond.

Key Strategies for Supporting SEL in Preschoolers

  1. Model Emotional Regulation

Children often look to adults to understand how to respond to their feelings. One of the most powerful ways to teach social-emotional skills is through example. When adults model appropriate emotional regulation—such as remaining calm during a stressful situation or taking deep breaths when frustrated—children learn how to manage their own emotions.

At Bundara Kindergarten, educators actively demonstrate strategies like using calming techniques or naming emotions. For instance, if a child is upset, the teacher might say, “I can see you’re feeling sad because your toy broke. It’s okay to feel sad, but we can fix it together.” By verbalising emotions and showing self-regulation, children are given a blueprint to follow.

  1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

A safe and welcoming environment encourages children to express themselves and try new things without fear of judgement. At Bundara Kindergarten, creating such an environment involves fostering trust and positive relationships among the children and between children and their teachers. When children feel secure, they are more likely to share their feelings and practice new social skills.

The physical space also plays a role; quiet corners for emotional reflection, cosy areas for talking, and open spaces for group activities are essential for providing a sense of security and comfort. A well-structured environment ensures that children know what to expect, which helps them feel more in control of their emotions.

  1. Encourage Positive Social Interactions

One of the primary goals in preschool is to help children develop strong social skills. Teachers at Bundara Kindergarten encourage positive peer interactions through structured group activities, such as cooperative games or art projects. These activities allow children to learn important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts.

Additionally, educators can facilitate group discussions that allow children to share their thoughts and feelings, thus promoting empathy and understanding. For example, after a group storytime, children can talk about how the characters in the story might feel in different situations, which helps them relate emotions to real-world experiences.

  1. Use Storytelling and Role-Playing

Stories are a fantastic way to teach young children about emotions and relationships. Books that depict various emotional situations can prompt important conversations about how characters handle their feelings and actions. Educators can use storytelling to highlight themes such as kindness, perseverance, or empathy.

Role-playing is another effective tool for teaching SEL. By acting out different scenarios, children get to practise responding to social situations and understand the perspectives of others. For instance, children can take turns playing the roles of friends resolving a disagreement, helping them develop problem-solving skills in a safe environment.

  1. Promote Emotional Literacy

Helping children recognise and label their emotions is an essential part of developing emotional intelligence. Educators can encourage children to talk about their feelings by using picture charts or emotion cards, which show various facial expressions and corresponding emotions. This strategy helps children expand their emotional vocabulary and recognise their own feelings and those of others.

At Bundara Kindergarten, teachers regularly engage children in discussions about their emotions using simple language. For example, after a conflict or challenging situation, a teacher might ask, “How did you feel when that happened?” and guide the children through recognising their emotions.

  1. Praise Efforts, Not Just Results

Fostering a growth mindset in young children is crucial for emotional resilience. By praising effort rather than focusing solely on outcomes, children learn to value the process and embrace challenges. For example, if a child is struggling to share a toy, praising their efforts—“You’re really trying to be patient with your friend!”—encourages them to keep practising positive behaviour, even if they don’t always succeed immediately.

candk

C&K has proudly nurtured over one million Queensland children since 1907. As a not-for-profit organisation, we always put children at the centre of everything we do and deliver innovative early learning programs that honour every child’s curiosity, individuality and potential.

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