Children learn about emotions and social behavior by watching what the people around them do and say every day! As a preschooler teacher who spends a fair amount of time with our youngest learners, you play an important role in helping children develop important social-emotional skills. Here’s how you can support their development.
1. Help Children Learn to Resolve Conflict in a Healthy Way
During the preschool age, children are developing an awareness of self and may not understand another person’s feelings or point of view. When a conflict arises, have each child involved talk about their feelings before it gets out of hand.
2. Encourage a Healthy Sense of Self-Esteem
Teaching your students to make positive choices about personal and social behavior will be a key in their success later. You can encourage your student’s healthy sense of self-esteem by giving them responsibilities around the classroom.
3. Support Growing Relationship Skills
Your students will treat their peers as they see the adults in their lives treat others. Teach your students to respect people’s differences, resist comparing themselves to others and apologize when they’ve made a mistake.