Supporting Social-Emotional Learning In Early Childhood Education

Social-emotional learning is a critical component of early childhood education because of how many students lack appropriate social-emotional (SEL) skills. While this has always been an important component of children’s growth and development, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 intensified the need for the implementation of social-emotional learning curriculum, lessons, and conversations in schools and homes. Research describes the necessity of social-emotional learning and the importance of considering diverse needs and cultures, yet teachers and parents are lacking support to make this area part of each day at school and home. Students need instruction in SEL skills to help prepare them for interactions with others both inside and outside of the classroom. Research shows how social-emotional learning can be integrated with academics through routines such as interactive read-alouds. Children’s literature provides a wealth of opportunity to support social-emotional learning and conversations among students and teachers or parents. The creative and intentional use of children’s literature can support both academic and social-emotional learning at the same time. Research also describes how support and resources for teaching SEL is often lacking in schools. It is imperative that educators and caregivers are equipped with knowledge about why social-emotional learning is critical for the children they are working with and that they have support and resources to implement high-quality SEL lessons and conversations.