Social Emotional Milestones

TODDLERS: 2 to 3

Young children in the toddler phase are learning how the world works. They are learning to interact with other children and sharing is becoming a sometimes-reluctant skill. They are old enough to begin to show empathy for others. They are developing an imagination and are beginning to use that skill playing with other children. As children go through these early stages, caregivers can offer support in a number of ways. Young children need guidance to process their emotions and develop social skills. Help children put their feelings into words in an age-appropriate way. Read books about feelings, as this helps kids to empathize and identify their own feelings. Work with them in using words such as "Please" and "I'm sorry".

 

Donovan, L. (2024, November 13). 24–36 months: Social-Emotional Development | ZERO TO THREE. ZERO TO THREE. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/24-36-months-social-emotional-development/

ELEMENTARY: 4 to 8

Elementary aged kids are taking their first real steps towards independence. They are spending substantial time away from their parents and learning how to function in social and emotional ways. They are becoming much more self-aware and are able to verbalize many of their emotions. They are learning the art of self-management. " Mastering self-control enables students to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and stay focused on their goals. These abilities are essential for success in school and life." (Noack, 2023). They are also learning social awareness. They are realizing the diversity that exists in the world, and often within their classrooms. There are many strategies to guide social emotional learning in this age category. They can benefit from keeping a feelings journal, or learning how to label their feelings with a "feelings thermometer".  Consider including "mindfulness moments" throughout the day to allow children time to refocus and regulate their feelings. 

 

Noack, C. (2023, August 23). 45 Social Emotional learning activities for elementary students. Minds in Bloom. https://minds-in-bloom.com/45-social-emotional-learning-activities-for-elementary-students/

 

MIDDLE CHILDHOOD: 8 to 12

As children reach the upper elementary ages, their independence is becoming more fully developed. They are noticing more how they compare to their peers and that can bring with it a sense of self criticism. Their friend group has become more cultivated as they choose friends with common interests. They have begun to identify their strengths and weaknesses.  With all of this awareness comes the propensity for bullying to arise. Students need to be taught what bullying is and how to recognize it in oneself or others. Have group discussions about what to do if they see bullying behavior but be careful to remind students that it is a safe no blame zone and that specific names should not be mentioned. Parents should be encouraged to have discussions with their child to tune in to any potential issues they are having at school. Parents should also weigh in with their child's teachers to see if they have observed anything that their child isn't sharing at home. Maintain an open line of communication with your student. Using character affirmations can be an effective way to bolster confidence during this season of self-doubt.  

 

Lumen Learning. (2020, August 1). Emotional and social development in middle childhood. Pressbooks. https://pressbooks.nscc.ca/lumenlife/chapter/emotional-and-social-development-in-middle-childhood/