In the early years of life, children experience rapid growth—not just physically and cognitively, but also emotionally and socially. How young children learn to understand, express, and manage their emotions directly impacts how they build relationships, develop empathy, resolve conflicts, and succeed both in school and in life.
That’s why Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of early childhood education. For educators, promoting SEL isn’t just about helping kids “play nice.” It’s about laying the foundation for mental health, resilience, and lifelong learning.
In this article, we’ll explore what social-emotional learning looks like in early childhood settings and provide actionable tips for educators to support children’s emotional and interpersonal development effectively.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to:
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Understand and manage emotions
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Set and achieve positive goals
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Show empathy for others
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Establish and maintain healthy relationships
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Make responsible decisions
In young children, SEL is not taught in isolation. It’s embedded in everyday routines, play, and interactions—with peers, teachers, and caregivers.
Why SEL Matters in Early Childhood
Research consistently shows that strong social-emotional skills in early childhood are linked to:
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Higher academic achievement
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Better behavior and fewer disciplinary issues
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Stronger friendships and conflict resolution skills
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Improved mental health and self-esteem
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Greater long-term success in school and life
Children with strong SEL skills are better equipped to handle stress, work cooperatively, and navigate the social world—all critical abilities in the preschool and kindergarten years.
Core Competencies of SEL for Young Children
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) outlines five core SEL competencies that apply across age groups. In early childhood, these take age-appropriate forms:
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Self-Awareness – Recognizing one’s emotions, thoughts, and values.
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Example: “I feel sad because my friend won’t play with me.”
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Self-Management – Regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
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Example: Taking deep breaths to calm down after getting upset.
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Social Awareness – Showing empathy and understanding others’ perspectives.
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Example: “She’s crying; maybe she’s hurt or sad.”
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Relationship Skills – Forming positive relationships and working cooperatively.
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Example: Sharing toys and taking turns during group play.
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Responsible Decision-Making – Making ethical, constructive choices.
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Example: Deciding not to hit when angry, but to use words instead.
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Practical Tips for Promoting SEL in the Classroom
1. Model Positive Behavior
Children learn social-emotional skills by watching adults. Educators should consistently model:
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Respectful communication
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Emotional regulation
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Problem-solving
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Empathy and kindness
When you talk through your own feelings or demonstrate conflict resolution with a colleague or student, you’re teaching SEL in action.
2. Create Emotion-Rich Environments
Use visuals and language that support emotional literacy:
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Display an emotions chart or “feelings faces” in the classroom
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Label emotions during daily routines: “It looks like you’re frustrated. Let’s talk about it.”
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Use emotion puppets, books, or songs to discuss feelings in a safe context
Encouraging children to name and express their emotions is the first step toward managing them.
3. Incorporate SEL Into Daily Routines
Turn everyday moments into SEL opportunities:
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Morning check-ins: Ask, “How are you feeling today?”
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Storytime: Pause to ask, “How do you think the character feels?”
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Cleanup time: Practice teamwork and cooperation
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Transitions: Use calming strategies like breathing or quiet songs
SEL doesn’t require a special block of time—it should be woven into the fabric of your day.
4. Use Problem-Solving Language
Teach conflict resolution by guiding children through steps:
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Identify the problem
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Recognize each person’s feelings
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Brainstorm solutions
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Choose a fair solution
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Follow up on how it worked
Scripts like “You both want the toy. What’s a way we can solve this together?” encourage shared responsibility and compromise.
5. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes
Help children build resilience and a growth mindset by praising:
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Trying again after a mistake
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Managing a big feeling
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Using kind words
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Helping a friend
This reinforces that social-emotional growth is a process and mistakes are learning opportunities.
Using Play to Build SEL Skills
Play is the natural language of children, and a powerful tool for developing social-emotional skills.
Types of Play that Promote SEL:
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Dramatic Play: Helps children practice empathy and perspective-taking.
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Cooperative Games: Encourage turn-taking, fairness, and self-control.
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Art and Storytelling: Provide outlets for emotional expression.
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Outdoor Play: Builds risk-taking, teamwork, and stress relief.
Allowing unstructured playtime is essential. That’s when children practice and test what they’ve learned socially and emotionally.
Family Engagement in SEL
Families are children’s first teachers. Partnering with them strengthens SEL outcomes.
Tips for Educators:
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Share daily or weekly updates on SEL activities
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Send home simple SEL strategies or book recommendations
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Model respectful communication with parents and caregivers
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Encourage families to name emotions and problem-solve together at home
Building this bridge between school and home ensures children get consistent support.
Ongoing Professional Development
Effective SEL implementation requires that educators themselves feel emotionally supported and equipped. Professional development opportunities focused on child psychology, emotional development, and behavior management can strengthen your practice.
ECE University offers high-quality online training specifically for early childhood professionals. With flexible courses on topics like emotional development, trauma-informed care, and classroom culture, educators can grow their own SEL competencies while learning how to better support young learners. Visit ECE University to explore available programs.
Final Thoughts: SEL Is the Heart of Early Learning
While academic readiness is important, it’s children’s social and emotional skills that shape how they learn, relate, and cope with life’s challenges. As educators, we’re not just preparing children to read or count—we’re preparing them to navigate the world with empathy, confidence, and resilience.
By modeling emotional intelligence, embedding SEL in daily routines, and nurturing relationships, early childhood educators play a vital role in shaping the emotional future of the next generation.
