Date Approved

4-16-2025

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Education-Instruction and Curriculum: Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Program

College of Education

First Advisor

Sherie Klee

Academic Year

2024/2025

Abstract

Abstract

This proposal explores the importance of developing social-emotional skills at a young age and the impact it can have on a child’s short-term and long-term success. Social-emotional skills can be developed in the classroom on a daily basis. Teachers can do this by providing a supportive, safe, and caring classroom environment that influences learning and providing opportunities for students to practice and apply their social emotional skills in different settings and situations (Zins et al., 2007; McClelland et al., 2017). Teachers need the proper training on how to effectively implement and embed social-emotional skills in the classroom in all parts of the day. In the past, early childhood education focused on the importance of letting children play, explore, and socially interact with others, which helped children develop the social-emotional, academic, and cognitive skills they needed to be ready for kindergarten. However, changes in education, especially after No Child Left Behind, shifted the focus to academics, reducing time for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL). This proposal examines the consequences of this shift and emphasizes the need to restore balance between academic and emotional development. This proposal will explore the short- and long-term effects of not developing social-emotional skills, the benefits of intentional SEL instruction, and strategies for integrating SEL throughout the day. It also emphasizes the importance of creating nurturing environments and strong teacher-student relationships. This project provides educators and families with practical strategies and resources to implement SEL at school and at home, helping children develop strong social skills and the ability to manage their emotions effectively. Social-emotional skills are crucial for a child’s success starting in early childhood and continuing throughout life. Educators, caregivers, and families must be informed and actively involved in supporting children’s emotional and social growth to foster lifelong well-being and academic achievement.

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