The Youngest Learners

As I look back at my week, I find myself thinking about our youngest learners. Children who come to the school for the first time, whether it's for pre-school or kindergarten, truly require a special kind of care and attention. All of a sudden, they need to listen to others, play with others, and set boundaries with others. They are expected to complete tasks and learn skills, and hopefully they will receive praise and positive reinforcement from their teachers. They need this emotional support to inspire their self-confidence and to get them ready for more learning. It is important for all children, but especially our youngest learners, to be in a setting that is safe and inviting. They need to know that it is acceptable to experience different emotions, and how to express them. I feel that when we put the time in to help children self-regulate, whether it is through individualized plans or school-wide initiatives, we are then doing our best to lay down the best foundation for authentic learning.

If you are an educator or parent of young children, click the buttons below for a few items I have used through the years that have been very helpful in supporting young students with self -regulation: