Social Emotional Learning in Childhood

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process through which children (and adults too) develop the skills needed to:

Understand and manage emotions
Set and achieve positive goals
Show empathy for others and understand social norms
Establish and maintain positive relationships
Make responsible decisions

Table of Contents

Why SEL Matters

Building resilience, empathy, and interpersonal skills are crucial for both academic success and personal well-being. SEL in early years education can help shape these skills and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and healthy relationships.

Who’s Involved

Families

Parents model emotional regulation, empathy and decision-making at home and can use everyday moments (mealtimes, play, routines) to coach children in naming feelings and solving problems together.

Schools & Preschools

Teachers create safe, supportive environments, use structured lessons and games to teach SEL competencies, and embed social-emotional check-ins throughout the day.

Practical Strategies

For Parents

Emotion Coaching: Help your child put words to feelings (“I see you’re upset because…”).
Family Meetings: Invite input on plans and rules to build decision-making skills.
Role-Playing: Act out common social situations (sharing toys, making friends).

For Preschool Teachers

Morning Check-Ins: Use a feelings chart or circle time to name emotions.
Collaborative Play: Assign small-group tasks that require turn-taking and communication.
Storytime Discussions: Pause during a story to ask “How do you think she feels?” and “What would you do?”

Snezhana Daneva is a Director at ICCC since September 2010. She gained experience in teaching, marketing and client relations, as well as cultural diplomacy and regional project management after a diverse career at the British Council in Bulgaria and in the UK. She worked as a volunteer in not-for-profit organizations related to child birth and child care.

Snezhana has MA in Education Management and MA in English and American Studies from Sofia University, and Management Certificate and Diploma from Open University, UK. Her recent Education Management degree thesis focused on children’s social-emotional development in the early years, comparing government standards and practice in Bulgaria and in the United Kingdom.