Early childhood education can be practiced with a number of learning approaches. From teacher-directed to child-centered and play-based to unstructured learning, the end goal is always to develop a child’s social, emotional and intellectual skills at an enhanced level.
The years from birth to age 8, are critical for building a strong foundation of a child in terms of behavior, thinking and regulation that can translate to successful adult life. Let’s take a look at how educators and preschools teachers fit in the equation.
Through a Trusting Relationship
In classrooms, teachers are the drivers of social and emotional learning (SEL) in children. A positive relationship that’s characterized by warmth, understanding and affection is essential for children to understand SEL in context.
Research shows that children benefit incredibly when they share a close relationship with their teachers in preschool and learn empathy by experiencing positive relationships among peers and with the teacher. SEL is enhanced by the teacher’s social and emotional well-being, which is why it's important for teachers and educators to learn and reflect on their own relationship with children.
Through Vocabulary
A huge part of SEL learning stems from the language and vocabulary children learn from their teachers. Providing the opportunity for children to observe and practice new words and sentences enhances their confidence and self-worth.
Similarly, when teachers ask questions like, “How do you feel about this?” or, “What do you think we should do to solve this problem?” children get a chance to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas, and build emotional vocabulary—directly helping them practice social and emotional learning.
Through Activities and Reinforcement
Activities that teach SEL are most impactful when reinforced in different settings and extended to learning at home. Performing plays and games such as hand chains, drawing out feelings, dancing to music, and even singing, helps children understand the importance of conflict resolution, cooperation and regulate emotions.
These activities also induce a sense of belonging, safety and community in children and are therefore critical in their social-emotional development.
Learning at Abacus Montessori Academy
At Abacus Montessori, we combine different learning approaches to enhance the cultural, social, cognitive and intellectual development. Our child care centre program caters to toddlers and preschoolers where they learn self-efficacy, practical life skills and responsibility among tons of other things.
By focusing on multifaceted learning, we ensure that your children get opportunities that enable them to handle and overcome challenges in life. Want to enroll your child at our academy? Register here!
We’re based in Chalfont, PA and currently have kids attending the school from multiple locations in Pennsylvania including preschool Warrington, Perkasie and Colmar.