October Newsletter
Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville
We Are Friends
Infants
This month teachers will focus on the emotional development of the infants. At this stage, emotional development consists largely of an infant’s feelings of safety and security with caregivers. Teachers can help infants form attachments by striving to meet their needs. Young infants will develop different cries to signal different needs and are finding ways to soothe themselves. Older infants are able to express different emotions and may develop separation or stranger anxiety. Older infants may also have strong reactions to frustration and crave approval from caregivers.
Toddlers
This month teachers will focus on the emotional development of toddlers. This is the basis from which children are able to develop in other areas. When children feel safe and secure in their classrooms and feel attachments with their caregivers, they will be more comfortable to explore their environments. Young toddlers begin to experience a wide variety of emotions and can become confused or frustrated by these feelings. Older toddlers may begin to use self-calming techniques or express their emotions verbally. Toddlers may be prone to having occasional tantrums when they are unable to manage strong emotions.
Twos
At this stage children need guidance to identify and recognize their feelings and the feelings of others. Early preschoolers are learning emotional skills through social interactions and relationships. They are also beginning to recognize and communicate their feelings. Children learn important social-emotional skills when they feel understood, comforted, and secure in their environment. Our role as educators is to help and encourage children to express their emotions and feelings in positive and effective ways.
Creating Character Moments
- Feelings can be difficult to identify. It is important to get to know the children and be in tune with their feelings. Observe their body language, listen to what they are saying, and pay attention to any changes in behavior.
- Provide labels for emotions. Naming a feeling helps children identify their emotions. As language develops so will the children’s ability to use their words to express how they are feeling.
- Take the opportunity to identify the feelings in others. Use language such as “I can see you are sad” or “I know you are tired; rest time is next.” This strategy will help children recognize feelings through facial expressions and actions.
- Model appropriate ways to express emotions. Children learn by watching others.
- Share books, pictures, and flannel board stories about feelings. Provide children with stories that talk about feelings they can relate to. Have discussions, put on a puppet show, or implement role-playing scenarios for children to develop ways to identify the feelings of others.
- Provide the children with love and support. When children feel supported and safe, they will begin to express themselves appropriately. Give children the opportunity to express their feelings. It is important to validate children’s feelings, so they know they are being heard and supported.
Preschool & Pre-k
The goal this month is to help the children identify, describe, and appropriately express feelings, as well as to help them develop a sense of empathy toward others. The following traits will help the children in managing their emotions and having positive relationships with others later in life.
- Emotions: feelings such as happiness, love, fear, or anger, which can be caused by the situation or the people one is with
- Self-Awareness: having a conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires
- Self-Regulation: using the strategies and skills necessary to control one’s emotions, reactions, and behavior in different situations
- Empathy: understanding and caring about how someone else is feeling