1 Introduction

Imagine having a treasure trove of ideas that enrich your daily work and help you foster children's social and emotional skills even more effectively. This project offers exactly that!

With our materials, you'll expand your knowledge in a targeted way and gain access to practical methods for your everyday work with children.

Here's what the project includes:

• Knowledge for Your Practice In the guidelines, you'll explore up-to-date knowledge on promoting children's emotional and social development. Each chapter deepens your understanding of how to sustainably and effectively support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Reflection and Professional Growth The guidelines also encourage you to reflect on your own pedagogical SEL practice. You'll gain new perspectives and continue developing your professional expertise.
• Practical Tools for Everyday Use You'll be directly connected to the project's resources. These include inspiration for indoor and outdoor activities, movement-based learning, group games and conversation starters, hand puppets, and creative projects - all ready to be implemented in your daily practice.
• Positive Impact on Children The project focuses on strengthening children's social and emotional skills - essential foundations for personal well-being and community life. The activities help children grow into empathetic and confident individuals, enhancing their resilience and their ability to cope with challenges.
• Strengthening Collaboration with Parents The project also offers ideas for involving parents, supporting stronger collaboration between you and families. Childcare centers and families are increasingly becoming places where children's needs, development, and protection are central.

This project, including its methods and material recommendations, was developed by partners from four countries as part of an ERASMUS+ project. The participating universities and organizations are experts in early childhood education and development. All pedagogical activities were tested and selected by educators involved in the project in their own childcare centers.

The guidelines consist of seven chapters, each taking about 45 minutes to complete. We recommend working through the guidelines from beginning to end to gain valuable insights and learn practical methods that will enrich your everyday practice.

We wish you and your colleagues curiosity, joy, and success on this exciting learning journey!

Your Eduskills+SEL Team