How to Introduce Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in a Preschool Setting — Without Extra Work
- The Nap Time Show
- May 15
- 3 min read
Discover practical ways to incorporate social-emotional learning in preschool without overwhelming your schedule. Simple strategies that create meaningful impact.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning and Why Does It Matter?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, establish healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills are the foundation for success in school and life.
But here's the reality: most preschool teachers are already maxed out. Adding "one more thing" to your curriculum isn't practical. The good news? You're probably already doing SEL work without labeling it as such.
Embedding SEL Throughout Your Existing Day
The most effective social-emotional learning happens naturally within daily routines and activities you're already facilitating. Here's how to enhance what you're already doing:
Morning Circle Time
Quick Implementation: Start with a simple feelings check-in using visual cues. Ask "How are you feeling today?" and let children point to emotions faces or use simple gestures.
Why it works: This normalizes emotional awareness and vocabulary while taking just 2-3 minutes of your existing circle time.
Transition Times
Quick Implementation: Use waiting periods as mini-opportunities to practice self-regulation. Try "freeze dance" while lining up or "breathing buddies" where children place small stuffed animals on their bellies and watch them rise and fall with deep breaths.
Why it works: Transitions are already part of your day, and these activities make waiting time purposeful rather than challenging.
Conflict Resolution
Quick Implementation: Create a simple peace corner with visual cues for conflict resolution steps: 1) Take a breath, 2) Use words to explain feelings, 3) Listen to friend, 4) Find a solution together.
Why it works: Conflicts will happen anyway – this approach transforms them from disruptions into learning opportunities.
Our Favorite Tool: Cozy Conversation Cards
One of our most successful SEL tools has been our "Cozy Conversation Cards" – simple prompt cards that can be used during snack time, transitions, or whenever you have a few minutes.
Examples include:
"What made you smile today?"
"How did you help someone today?"
"What do you do when you feel frustrated?"
What makes these effective is their flexibility – use one card for a quick moment or several for deeper discussions. No prep work required!
Incorporating SEL Into Story Time
The books you're already reading contain countless opportunities for social-emotional learning:
Pause to ask: "How do you think the character feels right now?"
Wonder aloud: "I wonder what she could do to solve this problem?"
Connect to experiences: "Have you ever felt like this character?"
This simple pause-and-reflect approach transforms any storybook into an SEL lesson without extending your reading time.
Embedding SEL in Play-Based Learning
Free play already builds critical social-emotional skills. Enhance these natural opportunities by:
Narrating positive interactions you observe: "I noticed how you shared the blocks with Sam"
Offering language for emotions during play: "You seem frustrated that the tower fell"
Encouraging problem-solving: "What's another way you could use that material?"
These quick interventions take seconds but significantly boost the SEL value of play.
Documentation Made Simple
Many teachers worry about documenting SEL for administrators or parents. Try these streamlined approaches:
Keep a small notebook nearby to jot quick observations
Take photos of children demonstrating SEL skills in action
Create a simple weekly "SEL spotlight" to share with families
Ready-Made Resources That Save Time
The key to implementing SEL without burnout is leveraging quality resources that require minimal preparation:
Visual emotion charts
Simple conflict resolution scripts
Pre-made mindfulness exercises
Social story templates
Looking Ahead: Integrated SEL Content
We understand the challenges of fitting everything into your day. That's why we're developing Fruit Snack Streams – a platform featuring content that seamlessly integrates social-emotional learning into engaging videos that support your existing schedule.
Our videos naturally incorporate SEL concepts like emotion recognition, empathy development, and problem-solving within entertaining content that children love. These aren't separate "SEL lessons" but rather integrated experiences that reinforce these crucial skills while supporting your curriculum goals.
Start Small, But Start Today
Social-emotional learning doesn't require a curriculum overhaul. Begin with one strategy from this article tomorrow. The cumulative effect of these small but consistent practices creates significant impact over time.
Ready to enhance your preschool's social-emotional learning without adding to your workload? Sign up for our newsletter to receive free Cozy Conversation Cards printables and be first to know when Fruit Snack Streams launches with integrated SEL content for your classroom.
[Sign up here: https://sendfox.com/lp/3onqed]
The Nap Time Show has been supporting early childhood educators with practical tools and engaging content since our PBS debut. We're committed to making your important work just a little bit easier.
