Even with a full academic schedule, SEL can be woven into the day with intention. Here are two ideas for each developmental stage that are simple, developmentally appropriate, and powerful.
Infancy
- Face Time with Feelings:
Use picture cards showing happy, sad, tired, etc, and label the baby's emotions during routines ("You're crying, you might be feeling sad.")
- Soothing Routines:
Sing the same song at nap time or during transitions to help infants feel secure and develop trust in their environment.
Toddlerhood
- Emotion Puppets:
Act out common scenarios with puppets ("Bear is mad because someone took his toy. What should he do?")
- Feeling Chart:
Let toddlers place a photo or icon on a visual mood board (green=calm, yellow=frustrated, red=mad) to start identoying their emotional state.
Early Childhood
- Morning Meetings with Feeling Words:
Each day, kids share how they feel using a feelings chart or wheel and say (I feel happy because I had pancakes.")
- Storytime with a twist:
Read books like The Color Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry and pause to ask, "How do you think she feels? What do you do?
These aren't just cute activities; they are how kids learn to name, manage, and express emotions in healthy ways.