DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE 2: EARLY CHILDHOOD
Approximate Age: 3–5 Years
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL MILESTONES
During early childhood, children become increasingly able to understand emotions, interact with peers, follow expectations, and manage their behavior.
Examples include:
• Identifying basic emotions.
• Expressing wants and needs.
• Participating in cooperative play.
• Taking turns with support.
• Following classroom rules.
• Developing friendships.
• Showing empathy.
• Beginning to solve social problems.
• Managing frustration with adult support.
• Becoming more independent.
CLASSROOM STRATEGY 1: FEELINGS CHECK-IN
Create a classroom feelings chart with pictures representing different emotions.
Students can select the emotion that best represents how they feel when they arrive.
Teachers can ask:
“How are you feeling?”
“What happened that made you feel that way?”
“What could help you feel better?”
This activity helps children identify and communicate emotions.
CLASSROOM STRATEGY 2: SOCIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING ROLE PLA
Teachers can give students simple social situations to act out.
Examples include:
• Two students want the same toy.
• A friend does not want to play.
• Someone accidentally breaks another student’s project.
• A student feels left out.
After each situation, students can identify the emotions involved and discuss possible solutions.
SELF-REGULATION
Teachers can teach children the following strategy:
STOP → BREATHE → THINK → CHOOSE
STOP: Pause before reacting.
BREATHE: Take a slow breath.
THINK: Consider what is happening and what choices are available.
CHOOSE: Select an appropriate response.
Teachers should model this process themselves so students can see what self-regulation looks like in real situations.
FAMILY STRATEGIES
Families can:
• Name emotions during everyday situations.
• Read books about feelings.
• Practice taking turns.
• Encourage children to use words instead of aggressive behavior.
• Establish predictable routines.
• Praise appropriate emotional regulation.
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