Utilizing Resources to Teach Social-Emotional Learning and Social Skills Training to Young Children

Social-emotional learning (SEL) and social skills training (SST) are differing approaches meant to improve the social and emotional skills of young children. SEL teaches young children social skills such as self-regulation, naming emotions, and how to handle different social situations. SST is a behavioral approach used to teach young children to improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. This article provides an overview of reputable free or low-cost SEL and SST resources that rural early childhood special educators can use with confidence. Additionally, the article provides early childhood special educators with more direct instruction tools to help young children, with and without disabilities, develop the social skills necessary to thrive at school.