Problem
Creative arts and social-emotional development are essential aspects of a child's growth and development. Children need to understand their own feelings and reactions, as well as those of others. As teachers, it's important to emphasize how a child's actions (or inactions) made another child feel. In this way, a child is better able to understand emotions and how we can impact others through our own behaviors and interactions. Young children may not be aware of how their interactions or actions can make others feel. One child can easily make another child cry without understanding what he or she did to cause the child to cry. As early childhood educators, we need to guide children toward understanding their social-emotional development as well as those of others. In this way, we can have a more harmonious environment with children who are understanding and empathetic towards others.
Task
A lesson or activity for small group that focuses on the social-emotional development of young children.
A. Share the age of the group and main topic discussed. Some suggestions include helping, kindness, gentle touch, sharing.
B. Explain the lesson itself and what the children will learn at a social-emotional level.
C. Discuss the importance for the children to learn this information.
D. Explain your expectations for the lesson and the intended outcomes.