Social-emotional learning (or SEL) encourages children to develop necessary social skills for school. Research suggests social-emotional development leads to greater adulthood success, so effectively wiring these skills is essential for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers as part of their learning and development process. Gryphon House has a variety of activities to ensure parents and educators alike take the necessary steps in promoting social-emotional development in children.
The primary focus of any early childhood program is to care for and educate the young learners enrolled in the program. Caring for and educating young children is rewarding yet difficult work; however, it is critical that systems are in place to support the children, families, and staff to be their very best. One way to support both teaching and learning and to prevent and address challenging behaviors in early childhood programs is through an effective, high-quality behavior-guidance policy.
Program Administration Social EmotionalFor preschoolers, nature makes up their entire world. It provides the wonder and excitement that preschoolers thrive off of; it is where children live, learn, and play. Nature allows children to be inquisitive and imaginative while being physically active — that’s why nature preschools are loved by educators!
Movement and Play Lesson Planning Infant & Toddler Seasonal Learning: Fall Spring Social EmotionalStudent's that do not speak English as a first language can often face disadvantages compared to their peers who are fluent in English.
Literacy Lesson Planning Observation and Assessment Language Social EmotionalJournaling is one of the best ways for students to develop their creative thinking and writing skills. Journals can be used for various different subjects to help students develop their learning.
Literacy Language Social EmotionalChildren spend 180 days a year inside the classroom. The classroom is more than just a space to take tests and receive new information—it is an environment that serves as a safe place, a home away from home, for many children.
Lesson Planning Social EmotionalFor those with hearing impairments, sign language is an essential part of their lives—without sign language, communicating effectively would be incredibly difficult.
Language Social EmotionalWhen the thought of childhood development comes to mind, often times it is met with the idea that while in utero babies develop more physically than cognitively. While babies do develop a tremendous amount physically during the time in utero, they do develop cognitively as well.
Infant & Toddler Language Social EmotionalEarly education contains many obstacles that need to be conquered. One of the largest, and most difficult, obstacles to face as an early childhood educator is the aspect of healthy boundaries in the classroom.
Program Administration Social EmotionalYoung children may not always be aware of how they should express their feelings. Often a guardian or teacher will have to instruct a child on the proper ways to express her feelings.
Infant & Toddler Language Social EmotionalReoccurring cold weather means one thing — the winter season is at its’ height. Winter weather may be seen as an inconvenience by many, but children in particular often see it as an opportunity to get excited, especially if snow is involved.
Movement and Play Literacy Language Seasonal Learning: Winter Social EmotionalGryphon House activities are well-researched and informative, so teachers can effectively build a foundational curriculum for their students. Books from our award-winning authors, such as Getting to the Heart of Learning by Ellen Booth Church, explore building social-emotional skills by integrating social-emotional activities into lesson plans for science, math, language, literacy and motor skills.
Parents can also use social-emotional activities to encourage their children’s social interactions with pro-social games. These games guide parents in instructing toddlers and infants to be comfortable in group situations.
For social-emotional development in early childhood education, our techniques and activities build the base for skills that will pay off through adulthood. Particularly in the early stages of development, social-emotional skills encourage children to work collaboratively, a key social skill with long-term benefits.
Scan our available tools and resources for emotional and social skills training. To learn more about the importance of strengthening social skills and deepening children’s emotional development, follow Gryphon House on Facebook. We continually follow the latest news and studies to find useful activities for parents and teachers.
Browse through lists, author interviews, excerpts, and articles that connect theory and best practice in early childhood education.
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