In this unit, children will acquire essential social-emotional skills to support them throughout the school year. They will explore various emotions such as happiness, sadness, fear, and distress, as well as scenarios where these feelings may arise. Through discussions, role-playing, and interactive learning, they will develop strategies to manage intense emotions in diverse situations. Furthermore, they will learn to recognize and empathize with the emotions of others, and respond appropriately in a wide range of circumstances.
We will engage in reading several books, listening to songs, and practicing exercises, providing children with numerous opportunities to identify their own feelings and those of others.
With the teacher’s guidance, students will learn to “stop, name their feeling” and will receive suggestions for appropriate responses. As the unit unfolds, children will be encouraged to offer their own ideas for managing big or difficult emotions in various situations.
We will also strengthen math skills by associating feelings with colors (I am feeling sad/blue, I am feeling upset/red, I am feeling jealous/green, I am feeling scared/yellow).
Social-emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in the development of young children, providing them with valuable skills that will assist them throughout their academic journey. By focusing on SEL in early childhood, educators and parents can help children understand and manage their emotions, develop empathy, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Through SEL, children learn to recognize and express their feelings, as well as understand the emotions of others. This not only contributes to a harmonious classroom environment but also builds a strong foundation for their future social interactions. Additionally, integrating SEL with academic subjects, such as using colors to describe feelings in math activities, helps children make meaningful connections between their emotions and the world around them.
By emphasizing social-emotional skills early on, educators can support children in navigating various social and academic challenges, ultimately fostering their overall well-being and success in school.
Goals for this unit include:
- Learn “Stop, Name Your Feeling”
- Give age appropriate suggestions for responses to Big Feelings in a variety of situations
- Identify four primary colors (red, blue, yellow, green)
- Continue to practice and adhere to established classroom procedures for story time/carpet time
- Identify parts of a book
- Identify where to find the names of the author and illustrator of a book
Little Panthers Preschool 