Social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of the most critical aspects of early childhood development. While academic skills like reading and math are important, a child’s ability to manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate social situations is just as crucial for long-term success. At La Maison du Soleil, we prioritize social-emotional learning as a foundation for future academic and personal growth.
In this blog, we’ll explore why SEL matters, how it benefits children, and practical ways parents and educators can support emotional intelligence in preschoolers.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social-emotional learning refers to the development of skills that help children:
✔ Recognize and manage emotions
✔ Build positive relationships
✔ Develop empathy and understanding
✔ Make responsible decisions
✔ Handle social situations with confidence
SEL is embedded in everyday interactions, from resolving conflicts with peers to expressing frustration in healthy ways. By nurturing these skills early, children develop strong self-awareness and social confidence that benefits them throughout life.
Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters in Preschool
1. Builds Emotional Regulation
Preschoolers experience big emotions but often struggle to express them appropriately. SEL helps children learn how to:
✅ Recognize feelings like anger, sadness, and excitement.
✅ Use words to express emotions instead of acting out.
✅ Practice mindfulness and calming techniques.
At La Maison du Soleil, we teach emotional regulation through guided discussions, breathing exercises, and storytelling that help children identify and cope with emotions in a supportive environment.
2. Encourages Positive Social Skills
Children need guidance in learning how to interact, share, and communicate with others. SEL helps preschoolers:
✅ Take turns and share toys with friends.
✅ Develop active listening skills during group activities.
✅ Practice empathy by understanding how others feel.
💡 Parent Tip: Role-play scenarios like “What should you do if a friend takes your toy?” to help your child practice problem-solving and conflict resolution.
3. Prepares Children for Academic Success
Studies show that social-emotional skills directly impact academic performance. Children who can focus, follow instructions, and collaborate with peers are more likely to excel in school.
At La Maison du Soleil, we integrate SEL into storytelling, group activities, and play-based learning, so children gain the emotional resilience needed to handle challenges in the classroom and beyond.
4. Reduces Anxiety and Builds Confidence
Many young children experience separation anxiety and social fears when starting preschool. SEL helps build confidence by:
✅ Encouraging children to express their worries.
✅ Teaching self-soothing techniques like deep breathing.
✅ Creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel supported.
💡 Parent Tip: Before school starts, introduce SEL concepts at home by naming emotions and offering reassurance during transitions (e.g., “I know you feel nervous, but your teacher will take great care of you!”).
How La Maison du Soleil Promotes Social-Emotional Learning
At La Maison du Soleil, we create an emotionally supportive learning environment where children feel safe to explore and express themselves. Our SEL strategies include:
✨ Emotion Charts – Helping children identify and label their emotions.
✨ Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises – Teaching calming strategies for self-regulation.
✨ Storytelling & Role-Playing – Reinforcing positive social skills through books and interactive play.
✨ Peer Collaboration – Encouraging teamwork and communication in daily activities.
✨ Live-Stream Video Access for Parents – So you can see your child’s social development in real-time!
By prioritizing emotional intelligence and empathy, we prepare children for a lifetime of successful relationships and academic growth.
How Parents Can Support SEL at Home
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing social-emotional learning outside of the classroom. Try these simple activities to strengthen your child’s emotional skills:
📖 Read Books About Emotions – Stories like The Color Monster and How Full Is Your Bucket? teach kids about feelings.
🎭 Encourage Pretend Play – Role-playing as different characters helps children practice empathy and social problem-solving.
🧘 Practice Mindfulness Together – Teach deep breathing exercises when your child feels overwhelmed.
💬 Validate Their Feelings – Instead of dismissing emotions, say: “I understand that you’re upset. Let’s talk about what happened.”
👥 Arrange Playdates – Social interactions give kids opportunities to practice sharing, cooperation, and turn-taking.
Give Your Child the Best Start at La Maison du Soleil!
At La Maison du Soleil, we believe strong social-emotional skills are just as important as academic readiness. That’s why our curriculum fosters confidence, kindness, and emotional resilience through engaging, play-based activities.
📍 Located in Kearny, NJ
💰 Affordable tuition options, NJ subsidy programs accepted
👀 Live-stream video access included in tuition
🌞 Enroll today and watch your child thrive emotionally and academically! Contact us now to schedule a tour.
