Date
5-2024
Document Type
Capstone Project (Campus-Only Access)
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Department
Human Development & Family Science
Abstract
This capstone project investigates the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in preschool and kindergarten education. Many students struggle to manage their thoughts and feelings effectively, which could lead to behavioral and emotional problems. By drawing attention to self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and good communication, teachers can help prevent these issues and support students' success inside and outside the classroom.
Three lessons centered around social-emotional learning (SEL) have been created for kindergarten and first-grade students at Elkhorn Elementary School. The first lesson focuses on recognizing emotions, the second focuses on building positive relationship skills, and the third on practicing mindfulness. The first session's objective is to build emotional vocabulary and self-awareness through hypothetical scenarios and facial expression analysis. The second lesson supports positive relationship building through role-playing constructive conflict resolution and empathy-building activities. The third session introduces mindful breathing and an exercise activity that helps self regulation, and stress relief. These mindfulness practices will provide students with practical tools to apply both within the classroom and in their lives outside of school. These sessions will be conducted at Elkhorn Elementary School in Castroville and are designed for students aged five to seven.
Recommended Citation
Valencia, Jeanine, "The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in Young Children" (2024). Capstone Projects and Master's Theses. 1758.
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/caps_thes_all/1758