Building Social and Emotional Learning Skills in Preschool and Elementary Aged Children

This article describes a six-week social and emotional learning (SEL) program that was implemented at a university’s childcare center. Physical education teacher education (PETE) students majoring in physical education assisted in the implementation of the SEL program as part of their university coursework. The program focused on achieving the 2024 SHAPE America National Health Education Standards, which are aligned with SEL competencies. Preschool and elementary age children at a childcare center participated in SEL lessons and activities delivered by the PETE students under the supervision of the director of the childcare center. The director provided students with feedback throughout the semester that helped them improve their teaching skills over time. The program provided opportunities for the PETE students to improve their pedagogical and communication skills with children, as well as to learn and practice classroom management skills in a small class setting. Furthermore, the children were able to receive personalized attention from the PETE students.