The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning

Educators are uniquely positioned to directly and indirectly influence children’s social and emotional development. By being informed about developmental milestones, self-regulation, and family engagement, teachers can intentionally build students’ SEL skills. A strong foundation in SEL improves academic success, peer relationships, emotional well-being, and resilience throughout life.

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Prenatal and Early Childhood Impact on Adolescent Development

Early experiences matter. Prenatal development and care, such as maternal health, stress exposure, and nutrition, shape a child’s brain and emotional regulation capacities. Negative prenatal experiences can increase the risk of emotional difficulties later in life. Similarly, early childhood experiences—like secure attachments, positive social interactions, and early nurturing—form the foundation for social-emotional skills in adolescence, including empathy, resilience, and healthy coping mechanisms.

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Developmental Stages and Milestones

Prenatal Stage

Social/Emotional Milestones:

• Development of basic emotional regulation systems.
• Influence of maternal emotions and hormones on fetal brain development.

Classroom Strategies:

1. Educate families about prenatal care importance (flyers, newsletters).
2. Partner with school counselors to offer prenatal support resources.

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Early Childhood (Ages 3-5)

Social/Emotional Milestones:

• Begins to understand and express a wide range of emotions.
• Learns to share, take turns, and cooperate with peers.

Classroom Strategies:

1. Use role-playing games to practice sharing and empathy.
2. Implement “feelings charts” to help students label and discuss emotions.

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Middle Childhood (Ages 6-11)

Social/Emotional Milestones:

• Develops deeper friendships and understanding of others’ perspectives.
• Begins using more complex self-regulation strategies.

Classroom Strategies:

1. Conduct peer buddy programs to foster empathy and teamwork.
2. Use reflection journals for students to write about emotions and problem-solving experiences.

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Self-Regulation: Definition and Strategies

Definition: Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, behavior, and thoughts to achieve long-term goals. It includes controlling impulses, calming down after upset, and persisting through challenges.

Examples:

• A student feeling frustrated but asking for help instead of giving up.
• A child excited for recess but waiting patiently in line.

Teacher Modeling and Encouragement:

1. Model “think-aloud” strategies (“I’m feeling upset, so I’m taking deep breaths.”).
2. Use visual cues (calm-down corners, breathing posters).
3. Praise efforts to self-regulate (“I noticed you took a deep breath before answering—great job calming yourself!”).

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Family Strategies for SEL and Self-Regulation at Home

Prenatal:

• Encourage healthy prenatal habits and stress management for expectant parents.
• Promote bonding activities like reading to the baby in the womb.

Early Childhood:

• Play “emotion guessing” games at home to help label feelings.
• Create simple routines to help children feel secure and predict transitions.

Middle Childhood:

• Set up family “check-in” times to discuss emotions and challenges openly.
• Help children set small personal goals and celebrate efforts toward them.

(Optional – If covering adolescence)

• Open communication about emotional struggles and mental health.
• Provide resources for professional support if needed (e.g., counseling hotlines for teens).

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References

• Berk, L. E. (2018). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.
• CASEL. (2020). What is SEL? Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. https://casel.org/what-is-sel/
• Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). The Foundations of Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu