“If we teach today's students as we taught yesterday's, we rob them of tomorrow.” - John Dewey
"Social-emotional learning is not just about academics; it's about preparing students to be compassionate, resilient, and empathetic individuals." - Linda Darling-Hammond.
Social Emotional Learning
Social-emotional development is essential in preschool education because it lays the foundation for learning, promotes positive relationships, enhances emotional regulation and problem-solving skills, fosters self-esteem and confidence, regulates behavior, prevents behavioral issues, and influences long-term outcomes.
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At the beginning of the year, it is typical for a 3k student to have difficulty transitioning from home to school in a new environment with people they have never met before.
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The environment can be considered the third teacher in the room. The layout and organization of the classroom environment are designed to promote independence and autonomy among children. Materials are accessible and inviting, allowing children to choose activities and engage in activities and experiences of their free choice.
Class TSG Data
The green shaded area in the graph indicates the general expectations for children in the social-emotional domain at the start of the school year, Fall 2023. However, the children have only met expectations in one objective, which is understandable as it is their first school experience for many of them.
The Winter 2024 Data shows that the class has progressed into meeting expectations in 7 of 9 objectives in the social-emotional domain. Showing significant emotional growth from the Fall.
Cozy Corner
A cozy corner provides a designated space where children can go to calm down and regulate their emotions when they are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or upset.​The feelings chart lives in the cozy corner. The children are free to move their picture throughout the day depending on how they feel. There are books about feelings, yoga and family for them to choose what best speaks to their feelings at the moment. Tissues are for those days were when they are feeling sad as well as a sensory bottle and stretchy fidget toys, blanket and furry pillow. These materials help the children regulate their sensory experiences and provide comfort and sensory stimulation as needed.
Family Photo Wall
A family photo wall serves as a transition space by providing familiarity and support for transitions as well as opportunities for conversation and connection as the children look at or retrieve their family photos during rest or if they have big feelings. By incorporating images of children's families into the classroom environment, we can evoke a sense of emotional security.
Tools of Autonomy
Autonomy is not just about allowing children to make choices; it's about providing them with the tools and guidance to navigate their own learning journey.
Every child has a choice card and a group color.
The children take their choice cards to sign into a center.
Each centers tells the children how many people can be there at a time.
Every child has a choice card and a group color.
Choice Cards
Choice cards are available for easy access to children in the meeting area. They use these cards to check into a center and return them to the space at the end of center time.
Job Chart
Having the children choose a job helps them learn about responsibility and the importance of community contributions. By completing their chosen task, the children develop a sense of ownership and pride in their role within the classroom.
Half the children have a job each week and switch on and off.
Singing to the plant as part of plant helper.
Taking care of our class pet Herby.
Half the children have a job each week and switch on and off.
The children check into school.
The children check into school.
Attendance Chart
The children check into school every day as part of their morning routine. It helps the children know who came to school and prompts them to ask about the welfare of their friends who stayed home on any given day, simultaneously building a sense of community and belonging.