Teaching Social-Emotional Learning to Preschoolers: Strategies for Teachers

Creator

Samantha Wender, SUNY Cortland

Preview

Faculty Mentor

Kate McCormick

Creation Date

4-2022

Description

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is defined as a method in which "children are able to acknowledge and manage their emotions, recognize the emotions of others, develop empathy, make good decisions, establish positive friendships, and handle challenges and situations effectively (Gunter et al., 2012, p. 151). At the preschool age, when children are just learning how to manage their own emotions, a SEL curriculum can help them learn effective strategies to manage their emotions early on. Creating a safe environment for students to learn and freely express their feelings can lead to optimal growth. Incorporating SEL into preschool classrooms will "promote positive behaviors such as success, kindness, and caring and to prevent bullying, violence, and later emotional and behavior problems" (Gunter et al., 2012, p. 152).