Spotlight on Young Children: Social and Emotional Development, Revised Edition

Nurturing Children’s Social and Emotional Learning and Well-Being

Children’s relationships and experiences during their formative years have a far-reaching impact, and early childhood educators play a critical role in fostering the social and emotional competence children need to process and learn from these interactions. Explore how teachers can use the opportunities embedded in their curriculum, practices, and routines to support positive, healthy behaviors in children from birth through age 8.

The revised and updated edition of this volume reflects recent advances in brain science, the field’s heightened recognition of children’s cultural contexts as central components of their social and emotional development, and more. It covers a wide range of timely and timeless topics, including how to  

• Establish trusting relationships to teach, model, and reinforce positive behaviors
• Honor each child’s dimensions of diversity and support the development of their individuality and humanity 
• Engage in social justice projects that increase children’s empathy and sense of agency 
• Mitigate the effects of trauma in children’s lives
• Implement strategies that relieve anxiety and teach coping skills 

Each article in this collection also includes questions to prompt deeper thinking on the content, highlighting connections to developmentally appropriate practice. Using the guidance in this resource, help children develop the social and emotional skills essential to their future well-being and success.