Welcome 

This Website serves as a guide that examines infancy, toddlerhood, and early childhood experiences. We will explore the role that educators and families have in assisting children with the development of social and emotional learning skills.

 

 

 

Prenatal Development and Care

Prenatal learning involves the fetus’s ability to perceive, process, and respond to sensory stimuli while still in the womb. Research has indicated that fetuses can hear sounds, recognize voices, and even respond to musical rhythms. These early experiences can be critical since they can shape neural pathways and influence brain development. The fetal environment provides a diverse mix of sensory inputs that the developing brain processes, laying the foundation for postnatal learning and development.  By engaging with the stimuli from the external world, the fetus begins to form the basis for cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and sensory integration that are crucial for later life stages. The experiences and learning that occur prenatally have intense implications for early childhood development, influencing cognitive, social, and emotional growth.   For instance, the ability of the fetus to recognize the mother’s voice plays a vital role in postnatal bonding. This early recognition fosters a sense of security and attachment, which are essential for healthy emotional and social development (Singh, 2024).  

 

Social/Emotional Milestones and Development

Infancy

                                         0- 12 Months

  • Smiles
  • Laughs
  • Recognizes Familiar People
  • Recognizes Self In Mirror

                         Toddler

                                               1-3 Years

  • Expresses verbal references to emotions
  • Likes To Explore
  • More Independent
  • Begins to play cooperatively 

Early Childhood

                                           3- 8  Years

  • Imaginative Play
  • Increased Empathy
  • Expresses a Range of Emotions
  • Enjoys Sharing Likes and Interests

For Educators

Learning Strategies or Activities

 

 Infancy Strategies/Activities:

  • Caregivers should use soothing tones and provide physical comfort to help manage infant's emotions.

  • Provide a safe and nurturing environment

 Toddler Strategies/Activities

  • Use/Read picture books that show emotions

  • Provide Cooperative Play Opportunities

 Early Childhood Strategies/Activities

  • Model Positive Behavior

  • Engage in Active and Empathic Listening

What is Self-Regulation?

Self- regulation is recognizing and managing thoughts, behavior, and emotions.  Examples of self-regulation could be responding appropriately to a situation without throwing a tantrum and asking for help when you are feeling stressed instead of having a meltdown (Lindberg, 2024).  

Specific ways teachers can model and encourage the development of self-regulation skills in the classroom.

  • Teachers can create a cool down area in the classroom where a student can regroup.  This space can include pillows, books, coloring pages, or even stuffed plush animals.  

  • Educators can provide brain breaks throughout the day.  Brain breaks could be playing calm music, stretching, or doing breathing exercises.

For Parents

Strategies or Activities to Help Your Child Self-Regulate

Teach your child mindfulness skills

An  effective way to pause and cool off is by practicing mindfulness. This might include activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, simple yoga poses, or using a grounding word or phrase (like a mantra) to help your child reset and refocus.

Be a role model

Lead by example. If you are angry, upset, or anxious, calm down first and then your child will see how you handled your emotions and how you reacted to a situation.

 

 

REFERENCES

Lindberg, S. (2025, March 21). Self-regulation skills: What they are and why they’re important. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/self-regulation-skills

Singh, V. (2024, October 16). The role of prenatal learning in early childhood development. Fastlane Freedom. https://fastlanefreedom.com/the-role-of-prenatal-learning-in-early-childhood-development/

 

 

 

Create Your Own Website With Webador