Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process by which children acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, feel empathy for others, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions (Morganti et al., 2024). For preschool children, SEL plays a crucial role in their overall development. It lays the foundation for success in school, relationships, and life.
“Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an important component of early school readiness and healthy child development. Research has shown that children’s development of social and emotional skills at preschool age is critical for long-term school and life success. Teachers play a key role in this process. There is evidence to indicate that effective SEL depends, among other factors, on the way teachers construct and incorporate SEL in their daily practices.”
These words, introducing a research paper on the importance of Social and Emotional Learning in kindergartens and preschools, show us several important aspects:
It is now more than three decades since scholars around the world began dedicating their time and effort to investigating the impact of various aspects of SEL, from its implementation to the crucial need for training teachers and educators, to the role played by families.
The world of the child is a world of emotions, as Feldman-Barrett (2017) extensively argued in her work “How Emotions Are Made”, providing almost a genealogy of human emotional development.
Therefore, the earlier we begin working with an attentive, scientifically, creatively oriented mind - together with children and their families (thinking with a horizontal attitude, not a vertical one) - on social and emotional learning, the more we can hope to help children live healthier, fulfilling lives and be ready to face their future with readiness, serenity, and openness.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical component of early childhood education, particularly in kindergarten. It involves teaching children skills such as emotional regulation, empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving. While traditional academic subjects like math and literacy are important, research increasingly highlights the significance of SEL in shaping a child’s overall development and future success. Implementing SEL in kindergarten is essential because it fosters emotional intelligence, supports academic performance, enhances social skills, and promotes long-term well-being.
SEL is built on five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Self-awareness helps children recognize their emotions and understand how they affect behavior. Self-management equips them with strategies to regulate emotions and control impulses. Social awareness fosters empathy by encouraging children to recognize and respect the feelings of others. Relationship skills teach effective communication and cooperation, while responsible decision-making guides them to make ethical and constructive choices.
In kindergarten, children are at a formative stage where they begin to develop these competencies. By incorporating SEL into the curriculum, educators can create a supportive environment where children learn to navigate emotions and interact positively with peers and teachers. Early exposure to SEL ensures that these foundational skills are ingrained from a young age, setting children on a trajectory for success in both personal and academic realms. For example, a kindergarten classroom that incorporates SEL may include activities such as emotion-identification exercises, breathing techniques for calming down, and guided discussions about feelings. These practices help children become more aware of their emotions and equip them with tools to manage emotional responses. Studies show that children with higher emotional intelligence tend to have better relationships, experience less anxiety, and perform better academically.
While SEL focuses on emotions and relationships, it also has a profound impact on academic performance. Children who develop SEL competencies are better equipped to focus, follow directions, and work collaboratively-all essential skills for academic success. Research indicates that SEL interventions improve cognitive development by enhancing attention span, problem-solving abilities, and executive function skills. Executive function includes working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control, all of which are necessary for academic learning. For instance, a child who can regulate emotions and stay focused on a task is more likely to engage in classroom activities and complete assignments effectively.
Moreover, SEL helps reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can hinder learning. When children feel emotionally secure, they are more open to exploring new concepts and taking academic risks. Teachers who integrate SEL into their lessons often observe higher levels of student engagement, motivation, and resilience in the face of challenges.
A fundamental aspect of kindergarten education is learning how to interact with peers and teachers. SEL fosters essential social skills such as cooperation, active listening, and conflict resolution. These skills are crucial for building healthy relationships and creating a positive classroom culture. Kindergarteners are still developing their ability to share, take turns, and express their needs appropriately. Through SEL, they learn strategies for effective communication, understanding different perspectives, and working collaboratively. Role-playing activities, group discussions, and cooperative games provide opportunities for children to practice these skills in real-life situations.
Conflict resolution is another key area where SEL makes a significant impact. Young children frequently encounter conflicts over toys, personal space, or differing opinions. SEL equips them with strategies to resolve disputes peacefully by using words instead of aggression, considering others’ feelings, and seeking compromise. These early lessons in social interaction lay the foundation for strong interpersonal skills that benefit children throughout their lives.
The benefits of SEL extend far beyond the kindergarten classroom. Research shows that children who receive SEL education have lower rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems later in life. By developing emotional resilience early, children learn to cope with stress, build self-confidence, and maintain a positive outlook. Mental health challenges often emerge during adolescence, but early SEL intervention can serve as a protective factor. Children who learn to manage emotions, seek support when needed, and build healthy relationships are less likely to experience severe mental health issues as they grow older. Additionally, SEL fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth, both of which are essential for emotional well-being.
Furthermore, SEL contributes to positive life outcomes such as higher levels of academic achievement, career success, and overall life satisfaction. Employers increasingly value emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, making SEL an essential component of workforce preparation. By instilling these skills early, kindergarten education sets children up for lifelong success.
Despite the clear benefits, integrating SEL into kindergarten curricula presents certain challenges. One of the main obstacles is the lack of standardized SEL programs across schools. Some educators may not receive adequate training in SEL implementation, leading to inconsistent application. Another challenge is balancing SEL with academic instruction. Some critics argue that focusing on SEL takes time away from core subjects like math and reading. However, research suggests that SEL enhances, rather than detracts from, academic performance by creating a more supportive and engaging learning environment.
To effectively implement SEL, schools need structured programs, professional development for teachers, and collaboration with parents. Parental involvement is particularly crucial, as children benefit most when SEL principles are reinforced at home. Schools should provide resources and workshops to help parents understand and support SEL strategies.
Implementing social and emotional learning in the kindergarten curriculum is essential for fostering emotional intelligence, academic success, and overall well-being. SEL equips children with critical skills in self-regulation, social interaction, and responsible decision-making, all of which contribute to lifelong success. While challenges exist in integrating SEL into early education, the benefits far outweigh the obstacles. By prioritizing SEL from an early age, educators and parents can help children develop the foundational skills necessary for a fulfilling and productive life.
Kindergarten children are just beginning to grasp, understand, and name their emotions. Kindergarten represents “[…] a critical time period for the development of basic social-emotional skills, which lay the foundation for later social-emotional competence” (Bierman, 2015), as between the ages of 3 and 6 children begin to shift from being self-centered and impulsive to being more socially oriented, interested in others, and becoming responsible (Bierman, 2015).
Social and Emotional Learning strategies can help them recognize, organize, and label their feelings such as happiness, anger, sadness, or frustration (Feldman-Barrett, 2017). Working on children’s emotional intelligence is important, as it helps them manage their emotions better and avoid outbursts, tantrums, and inappropriate behavior, while also helping them understand how their emotions can influence their interactions with others (their peers, the adults around them), leading to healthier social connections. Kindergarten children who develop strong SEL skills are better able to communicate how they feel, share, take turns, and resolve conflicts with their peers. Providing children with these social skills is essential for building friendships and creating positive and serene relationships with educators and other children.
In the long term, SEL skills can contribute to the development of strong intrapersonal and interpersonal abilities, which are necessary for success not only in school but in life in general, and support children in developing a sense of belonging, curiosity, respect, and open and welcoming attitudes, as well as understanding that even unpleasant feelings are legitimate and need to be addressed with calmness and responsibility, while avoiding aggressive behaviors that can cause harm to oneself and others.
Empathy is a very loaded word; however, it is at risk of becoming another empty buzzword whose real meaning gets lost in very shallow discourse, too often prey to social media hype.
The works of Baron–Cohen (2018) have shed light on the actual significance of the concept of empathy, which is the tendency, the drive to identify another person’s feelings and thoughts and respond to them appropriately. It also means recognizing the other as a person with their needs, dignity, desires, and emotions. Summing up, empathy is not just feeling what the other feels but entails a series of very refined competencies and skills - of a social and emotional caliber.
Through participation in Social and Emotional Learning activities, children learn to understand others’ perspectives, hone the necessary skills to meet the diversities of those around them and demonstrate compassion. In turn, the development and strengthening of these competencies and qualities encourage children to play cooperatively with others and reduce aggressive behavior. By teaching kindergarten children empathy with activities that foster the recognition of the otherness that makes us what we are, we not only pave the way for a deeper understanding of what kindness is but also prepare them to interact with others in a collaborative, open way, which is vital in group settings inside and outside kindergarten - and for the future.
Self-regulation is the ability to control impulses, manage stress, and maintain focus on tasks. Social and Emotional Learning approaches can help teach kindergarten children techniques for self-control. There is no need to propose complex activities, as tasks such as taking deep breaths, asking for help when needed, and learning to wait one’s turn patiently without throwing tantrums are already age-appropriate ways to begin the delicate work of developing self-regulation at such a young age.
As Bodrova and Leong (2008) stated, “Self-regulation has two sides: first, it involves the ability to control one’s impulses and to stop doing something, if needed—for example, a child can resist their immediate inclination to blurt out the answer when the teacher poses a question to another child. Second, self-regulation involves the capacity to do something (even if one doesn’t want to do it) because it is needed, such as awaiting one’s turn or raising one’s hand. Self-regulated children can delay gratification and suppress their immediate impulses enough to think ahead to the possible consequences of their actions or to consider alternative actions that would be more appropriate. While most children know that they are supposed to “use their words” instead of fighting, only children who have acquired a level of self-regulation are actually able to use them.” (p.1)
In essence, self-regulation means being aware of one’s feelings and reactions and then using strategies to calm oneself, solve problems, or adjust one’s behavior appropriately. This skill is key to making thoughtful decisions and interacting well with others. Self-regulation abilities are key in helping children manage challenging situations, such as frustration during play or conflict resolution with peers. When preschool children learn to manage their emotions, cooperate with others, and demonstrate self-regulation, they are more focused and ready to learn. SEL fosters a sense of confidence and motivation in children.
In detail, for children, self-regulation means being able to:
Self-regulation is crucial for children because it forms the foundation for healthy emotional, social, and academic development. When children develop strong self-regulation skills, they can:
Overall, self-regulation is a key skill that supports a child’s overall well-being and sets the stage for lifelong success.
SEL encourages children to think critically and solve problems, skills which are necessary for navigating social situations. For example, when preschoolers face a disagreement during play, they are taught to use problem-solving strategies, such as taking turns, compromising, or seeking help from a teacher. These skills help children handle conflicts more effectively and develop resilience. Problem-solving skills are essential for kindergarten children because they lay the groundwork for future critical thinking, independence, and resilience.
Here’s why they matter and how these skills can be nurtured:
By incorporating these strategies into everyday learning, children develop a strong foundation in problem-solving that will benefit them academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow.
A significant body of research indicates that preschoolers' mental health is closely related to several early learning outcomes, both concurrently and as predictors over time. Children entering kindergarten with greater competence in managing their emotions and others’ emotions, as well as fostering healthy relationships with peers and adults, demonstrate successful early school adjustment. In particular, preschoolers’ social-emotional competencies are strongly correlated with their level of school readiness (e.g., literacy and numeracy skills), even after taking into account cognitive ability and family background. Conversely, preschoolers who lack developmentally appropriate social-emotional competencies tend to engage less in classroom activities, exhibiting lower motivation and greater difficulty with completing early academic tasks. Notably, boys tend to score lower on assessments of these behaviors and attitudes in school. These deficits may endure throughout elementary and secondary education, heightening the risk of subsequent school dropout. In general, studies suggest that early intervention supporting children’s mental health is beneficial, as it not only enhances students’ well-being but also improves their achievements both in the short and long term (Conte et al., 2023).
Developing social-emotional skills in children is critical to laying a strong foundation for their mental health. These skills include the ability to manage emotions, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. When children are taught to recognize and express their emotions in healthy ways, they become more self-aware and capable of regulating their emotional responses. This self-regulation is essential for reducing anxiety and stress, which are common challenges encountered during early development and throughout life.
Moreover, children who develop social-emotional competencies such as empathy, cooperation, and effective communication are better equipped to form meaningful connections with their peers and adults. These positive relationships act as a buffer against mental health issues, providing children with supportive networks to rely on during difficult times.
Incorporating SEL into early education not only enhances emotional intelligence but also promotes a positive self-image and self-esteem. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors and exhibit a positive attitude towards learning and interacting with others. This supportive environment created through SEL contributes significantly to the overall mental well-being of young children, preparing them to handle future challenges with resilience and confidence.
Incorporating SEL into preschool education is a proactive approach to nurturing mental health, providing children with the tools they need to thrive both emotionally and socially.
During the preschool years, social and emotional development occurs rapidly, significantly influencing children's behavioral patterns. Social-emotional skills are vital for various aspects of young children's lives. Research on these competencies is continually expanding. Improving social-emotional skills in early childhood contributes to more successful cognitive and social skills development. Prosocial behavior is essential for peer acceptance and for forming and maintaining relationships. Children with higher social-emotional competence during preschool are more likely to establish and sustain positive relationships with parents and teachers when starting school, as well as have positive interactions with peers. Higher social-emotional competence is also associated with reduced behavioral and emotional problems. There is substantial evidence indicating that low social-emotional competence is linked to the emergence of problematic behavior, emotional difficulties, and relationship issues. Children who rarely exhibit prosocial behavior tend to demonstrate various behavioral problems, such as aggression, and may also face peer rejection in educational settings (Martisone et al., 2022). Additionally, there is a significant correlation between hyperactivity in preschool-aged children and subsequent behavioral challenges at school. Aggressive and oppositional behavior in preschool, often stemming from poor behavioral self-regulation, is associated with emotional instability, reduced social skills, lower academic performance, and decreased engagement in the learning process (Martisone et al., 2022).
When preschool children are taught SEL skills, they are less likely to exhibit disruptive behaviors such as aggression, defiance, or withdrawal. Children with good social-emotional skills can manage their emotions appropriately, reducing the likelihood of temper tantrums or conflicts. This leads to a more harmonious classroom environment, making it easier for teachers to focus on instruction.
Helps Preschoolers Regulate Their Emotions
Many behavioral problems in preschoolers arise because they don’t yet know how to manage big emotions like frustration, anger, or disappointment. SEL teaches children:
By strengthening emotional regulation, SEL helps reduce meltdowns, impulsive behaviors, and emotional outbursts.
Teaches Preschoolers How to Solve Problems Peacefully
Preschoolers often struggle with sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts with friends. SEL teaches children:
This reduces aggression, fights, and social difficulties in the classroom and at home.
Builds Empathy and Social Awareness
A key part of SEL is helping preschoolers understand and care about others’ feelings. When children develop empathy, they are less likely to engage in:
Teaching preschoolers to recognize emotions in others (e.g., “How do you think your friend feels when you take their toy?”) helps them build kindness, cooperation, and respect for peers.
Encourages Self-Control and Reduces Impulsivity
Preschoolers are naturally impulsive because their brains are still developing self-regulation skills. SEL helps them:
When preschoolers learn self-control, they are less likely to engage in hitting, biting, or defiant behaviors.
Creates a Positive and Supportive Learning Environment
When SEL is incorporated into preschool classrooms or home routines, it fosters a sense of safety and belonging. This prevents behavioral problems by:
A supportive environment ensures that preschoolers trust adults, feel safe to express their emotions, and engage positively with their peers.
Helps Preschoolers Develop a Growth Mindset
SEL teaches preschoolers that making mistakes is okay and that they can learn from challenges. This mindset helps them:
By reducing frustration and discouragement, SEL prevents avoidant behaviors (like giving up) and oppositional behaviors (like refusing to follow instructions).
Reduces Anxiety and Stress-Related Behaviors
Many preschoolers struggle with separation anxiety, shyness, or fear of new situations. SEL provides them with tools to cope, such as:
When preschoolers feel secure and emotionally supported, they are less likely to exhibit clinginess, fear-based behaviors, or social withdrawal.
Prepares Preschoolers for School and Beyond
Early exposure to SEL helps children adjust to new environments with confidence. Children who develop strong SEL skills are more likely to:
This early foundation prevents long-term behavioral challenges and ensures that children enter kindergarten ready to learn, socialize, and succeed.
Social and Emotional Learning is a vital component of early childhood education. It provides kindergarten children with the tools they need to navigate their emotions, interact positively with others, and develop key life skills such as empathy, self-regulation, and problem-solving. These early experiences with SEL set the stage for strong relationships and mental well-being, forming a foundation that supports a child's growth into a well-adjusted, resilient adult. Implementing SEL in preschool programs is, therefore, crucial for fostering the holistic development of children.
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