Today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful resource… the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning! The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. CSEFEL is a national resource center funded by the Office of Head Start and Child Care Bureau for disseminating research and evidence-based practices to early childhood programs across the country.
This website it full of great resources for parents and educators, including practical strategies for supporting and guiding children’s behavior. One at the top of my list is the Solution Kit– be sure to check it out! Print and laminate the cards individually (in color). Then, put them in a brief case or some sort of suitcase/carrier that’s simple for the children to carry, open, and use. When a situation comes up in which children need to solve a problem, remind them to use the solution kit. Of course, you’ll first need to introduce it and explain/demo all of the solutions (a few times). Provide guidance and support as you facilitate the situation…let them choose and try their solution…it may or may not work. They may need to try a few before they resolve the issue at hand. This teaches grit while sending the message that THEY ARE COMPETENT and SKILLED!