Best practices for managing emotions in young children

[cummings2]

I'm particularly interested in approaches that can be implemented within the daily routine and group environment, as opposed to one-on-one interventions. How do you balance providing individual support while also maintaining an emotionally-supportive atmosphere for the whole class?

[Lorina]

Balancing individual support with maintaining an emotionally supportive atmosphere for the whole class is essential in early childhood education. Here are some strategies and approaches that can be integrated into your daily routine and group environment:

### Strategies for Group Settings

1. **Scaffolding**:
- **Provide Support**: Offer varying levels of support based on each child's needs. This can include giving hints, modeling behaviors, or adapting activities to ensure all children can participate and succeed¹.
- **Peer Support**: Encourage older or more advanced children to help their peers. This not only supports the learning of both children but also fosters a sense of community and cooperation.

2. **Flexible Grouping**:
- **Small Group Activities**: Organize children into small groups for certain activities. This allows for more targeted support while still engaging the whole class.
- **Interest-Based Groups**: Group children based on their interests. This can increase engagement and make it easier to provide individualized support within a group setting.

3. **Routine and Structure**:
- **Consistent Routines**: Establish clear and consistent routines. Predictability helps children feel secure and reduces anxiety, creating a supportive environment for everyone.
- **Visual Schedules**: Use visual schedules to help children understand the daily routine. This can be particularly helpful for younger children or those with additional needs.

4. **Inclusive Activities**:
- **Open-Ended Play**: Provide materials and activities that can be used in multiple ways, allowing children of different ages and abilities to engage at their own level.
- **Group Projects**: Engage the class in collaborative projects where each child can contribute according to their abilities. This promotes teamwork and a sense of belonging.

### Promoting an Emotionally Supportive Atmosphere

1. **Positive Reinforcement**:
- **Acknowledge Efforts**: Regularly acknowledge and praise children's efforts and achievements. This builds self-esteem and encourages positive behavior.
- **Encourage Empathy**: Teach and model empathy. Encourage children to understand and respect each other's feelings and perspectives.

2. **Emotional Literacy**:
- **Feelings Chart**: Use a feelings chart to help children identify and express their emotions. This can be a daily check-in activity.
- **Storytime Discussions**: Incorporate books and stories that address emotions and social skills. Discuss the characters' feelings and actions with the class.

3. **Safe Spaces**:
- **Quiet Corners**: Create quiet corners or cozy areas where children can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. These spaces should be comfortable and inviting.
- **Calm-Down Kits**: Provide calm-down kits with items like stress balls, sensory bottles, and soft toys to help children self-regulate.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can provide individual support while fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for the entire class.
(1) DAP: Teaching to Enhance Each Child’s Development and Learning. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/positio ... evelopment.
(2) Individuality and Inclusive Practices for Early Childhood. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc ... -practices.
(3) Creating inclusive environments and catering for individual needs. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1240305.pdf.
(4) The 10 NAEYC Program Standards. https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families ... -standards.
(5) Principles of Child Development and Learning and Implications That .... https://www.naeyc.org/resources/positio ... principles.

,
Lorina