Social Emotional Learning (Part 1)

Okay, SEL. This one requires two parts because there is SO MUCH to talk about. This has been a topic of conversation in the education world for several years now. Many of us grew up with "Character Education" and SEL is an extension of that. Many schools actually use SEL curriculums now, such as Second Step or Zones of Regulation. There are a few others but these are what I have seen used in public schools. National University defines it as " the process through which individuals learn and apply a set of social, emotional, and related skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values that help direct students. This includes thoughts, feelings, and actions in ways that enable them to succeed in school".

In early childhood education, the focus of SEL is recognizing and managing emotions, and as we know, young children can have a lot of BIG emotions! In Kindergarten we focused on recognizing and naming feelings, using example scenarios to act out and talk through how to handle situations that deal with these emotions and more. There was a lot of focus on mindfulness, calm down strategies and breathing techniques. That being said, not every program focuses on the same skills, so if you are a homeschooling parent or a prent looking to work on this at home, check your sources and make sure that the program you are following aligns with your family's values.

You can find out more about the basics of SEL here

Rhyming: more than just your favorite pastime

Rhyming is such a fun skill for students to learn, especially in early childhood! It is also another important stepping stone to reading. Rhyming and word play help students' language skills early on as well, and helps them develop phonemic awareness. These foundational skills are so important, especially as they enter Kindergarten. Some of the most common ways parents and teachers practice rhyme is through the use of nursery rhymes such as "Hickory Dickory Dock" and "Little Miss Muffet". These little songs and poems are great for acting out and retelling.

More ways to rhyme with your child:

-Books are one of my favorite ways to introduce and practice rhyming: Rhyming Dust Bunnies, Dr. Seuss books, There Was an Old Lady Series, and more! Ask your local librarian for some suggestions.

-Rhyming games and songs like "the name game" classic nursery rhymes, and lots of songs are available on YouTube

-Read or write poems, change out words for sillier versions that also rhyme!

Scholastic has some other links, books and suggestions on their website. Check it out here.

Play Based Learning

This is one of my favorite topics in early childhood education because it is SO crucial to students' learning. Play based learning is often seen in preschools, daycares and early childhood centers but unfortunately tends to get lost as students enter elementary school (yes, even in Kindergarten). So, what is it?

Play-based learning is an educational approach that places play at the center of the learning experience, and recognizes that play as a natural way for children to make sense of the world and develop a range of skills. In a play-based learning environment, activities are age-appropriate and open-ended, allowing students to explore and learn. Play can take various forms, including imaginative play, constructive play, and collaborative play. Educators focus on creating a flexible environment with a variety of materials for students to interact with authentically, and act as facilitators in learning. Play-based learning emphasizes the importance of the process rather than just the end result. It encourages curiosity, creativity, and a positive attitude toward learning. The University of New Hampshire has some great resources about how this is used in the classroom, which is really helpful if this is a teaching method.

This approach to learning incorporates games and dramatic play as well, which is one of my favorite parts of early childhood education. As a teacher, it can be so difficult to stick to the curriculum and add enough play for students. Luckily, parents are able to use more creative techniques at home. Check out this month's favorite book along with the at-home activities and printables!