January Character Essentials

Focus on these strategies to promote social-emotional development in daily care activities throughout the month:

Facial Expressions and Emotions-Throughout the month, demonstrate facial expressions and discuss with the children the emotions they represent. Children learn through observation and imitation. Be animated as you model emotions and expressions, and encourage the children to mimic your actions. Identify how you are feeling. Look for opportunities to help children recognize facial expressions and emotions in peers and through photographs of other children.

Socializing – Teachers should focus on providing responsive, individualized care. It is also important to seek opportunities to group children together so they can begin to build the foundation for socializing with peers.