Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) may seem like an advanced concept, but it’s truly the foundation of children’s mental health, even from the earliest years. Children aren’t born with the ability to self-regulate, understand emotions, or empathize with others. These are skills they develop over time, with guidance from adults. As educators, we sometimes feel frustrated when a student “acts out” or “overreacts.” But it’s essential to ask ourselves: has this child been taught how to appropriately manage and express their emotions?

The Core Elements of SEL

SEL focuses on three key areas: social skills, problem-solving, and empathy. These areas cover a wide range of developmental skills, including self-awareness, self-control, and emotional regulation. While some of these terms might be new to educators, they are central to creating learning environments where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

One of our main responsibilities as teachers is to ensure that students’ basic needs are met before they can engage with academic material. SEL helps bridge the gap for students who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. By incorporating SEL into our teaching practices, we provide students with the tools to navigate their emotions and interactions, making school a safe and supportive space for learning.

Building SEL Through Everyday Classroom Interactions

In early childhood education, much of SEL is developed through everyday experiences. Children are constantly learning and growing, and every moment is an opportunity for them to practice new skills. As teachers, we model the behavior and reactions we want our students to adopt. They observe how we handle frustration, how we communicate with others, and how we manage difficult situations.

For example, if something unexpected happens in the classroom, like a disruption during circle time, this is an opportunity to model SEL in action. You might say, “I’m feeling frustrated because we aren’t able to listen to each other right now. Let’s take a deep breath together and refocus so we can hear what everyone has to say.” Through these small interactions, students learn how to identify emotions, self-regulate, and consider others’ feelings.

Guiding Students Through Their Emotions

As children grow, they experience a wide range of emotions, sometimes without fully understanding why they feel the way they do. Our role as teachers is to guide them through these feelings. It’s important to help students understand that their emotions are valid, but sometimes their reactions might not match the situation.

For example, if a student throws a tantrum because they didn’t get a specific colored crayon, instead of dismissing their feelings, we can guide them through the experience. “I see you’re upset because you wanted the red crayon. Can we talk about what other colors are available and how we can make a choice together?” This teaches students to regulate their emotions and problem-solve while still acknowledging their feelings.

Conflict Resolution Mat

Conflict Resolution Mat

Encouraging Social-Emotional Growth Through Play

Much of SEL development happens naturally through play. Children learn social skills, empathy, and problem-solving as they interact with their peers. In early childhood classrooms, opportunities for structured and unstructured play are essential for developing these skills. Through play, students practice body awareness, sharing, taking turns, and asking for help.

Teachers can facilitate this growth by observing how students navigate social situations and stepping in when needed to guide them. For example, when two students struggle to share a toy, this is a chance to model conflict resolution: “I see both of you want to play with the same toy. Let’s work together to find a solution that makes both of you happy.”

Talking About Emotions in the Classroom

It’s never too early to talk to students about their emotions. Regular conversations about feelings, body regulation, and understanding others can significantly impact their development. In the classroom, teachers can create moments for these discussions throughout the day. Whether it’s reflecting on an interaction between peers or discussing characters in a story, these conversations help students process their emotions.

Reading books is an excellent way to introduce and reinforce SEL concepts. Stories provide relatable scenarios for children to understand their feelings, discuss empathy, and explore problem-solving. After reading a book, talk to your students about how characters handled their emotions and ask them to share similar experiences they’ve had.

Calm Cube Collection

Calm Cube Collection

Supporting SEL in the Classroom

While teaching SEL, it’s important to recognize that children’s emotions can sometimes be overwhelming. When students are experiencing “larger-than-life” feelings, it’s natural for teachers to feel stressed or frustrated too. Remember that it’s okay to take a moment to reset, both for you and your students. Giving space to emotions, allowing time to calm down, and returning to the situation when both parties are ready can help build trust and reinforce SEL skills.

By incorporating SEL into your daily routines, lessons, and classroom culture, you are helping your students develop the emotional tools they need to succeed both academically and socially. Through guidance, observation, and intentional conversations, you’re shaping your students into emotionally intelligent, empathetic individuals ready to take on the world.