The Power of Environments in Social and Emotional Learning

Compelling research and literature demonstrate the significant impact of social and emotional learning (SEL) on young children.There is a strong correlation between well-developed social and emotional skills and positive academic outcomes, healthy relationships, and the competencies children need to navigate the unfolding future.Adults play a central role in fostering social and emotional skills.Equally important are the environments created for and with children.Emotional, psychological, and physical environments shape children's wellbeing; their sense of safety and belonging; as well as their engagement and motivation to learn.Environments have the power to facilitate SEL.Why leave it to chance?Using an action research approach, this presentation details trends emerging from a workshop series titled "The Power of Environments in Social and Emotional Learning".Through a thematic examination of data, key findings from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of: 1) the application of frameworks to plan for SEL with intentionality and consistency; 2) a focus on building psychological safety in an early years context; and 3) the messages spaces convey about children's social and emotional learning and development.These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of approaches, strategies, and tools to enhance SEL in early years settings.