Social and Emotional Development- Infant and Toddlers
Personal Definition- Social and emotional development refers to how infants and toddlers begin to understand themselves, form secure relationships with others, express and manage emotions, and learn social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. This area of development lays the foundation for positive relationships, emotional well-being, and the ability to navigate social environments. To support this KDI using materials such as stuffs, and blankets, puppets, mirrors, and soft animals.
1.) Name of Activity: Let's Be Close Together
Originating Idea: Baby doesn't like when teacher leaves for the day.
Curriculum Area: Social and emotional development- Attachment- Children form an attachment to a primary caregiver #5.
Materials: Caregiver, mat/blanket, mirror, puppet, board books
Appropriate Age group: Infants (0-12 months)
Beginning of Activity: Sit with the infant either in lap or facing you.
Middle of Activity:
Early Extension: Mirror the infants sounds or facial expressions while holding or sitting face to face with them.
Middle: Read a story in a small voice, making eye contact and smiling.
Later Extension: While soft music is playing, gently sway with baby in arms.
End of Activity: Give final cuddles to reinforce the sense of connection.
Follow-up Ideas (2): Sing songs such as "You are my Sunshine" or cuddle and read together.
2.) Name of Activity: We're all special
Originating Idea: Toddlers seeing differences about each other
Curriculum Area: Social and emotional development- Distinguishing Self and Others- Children distinguish themselves from others #4
Materials: mirror, mirrored toys, books, pictures of the toddlers around the classroom
Appropriate Age group: Toddlers (12-36 months)
Beginning of Activity: During small group children will point to their picture or wave when their name is called.
Middle of Activity
Early Extension: Ask toddlers "What do you see that's special about you?" help them by prompting "You have blue eyes" or "You're wearing blue shoes."
Middle: Using two stuffies or dolls to model differences- Allow child to pick which one they want to be.
Later Extension: Read a book about faces/people and their differences.
End of Activity: Transition to snack time
Follow-up Ideas (2): Family photo wall, name and photo matching game
3.) Name of Activity: Feelings with Faces
Originating Idea: Emotions is our theme for the week.
Curriculum Area: Social and emotional development- Emotions- Children express emotions #8.
Materials: Soft blankets, child safe mirror, board books on emotions, and flashcard
Appropriate Age group: Infants (0-12 months)
Beginning of Activity: Hold a mirror or expressive board book in front of baby.
Middle of Activity
Early Extension: Hold a mirror in front of the baby and copy their facial expressions. Label their feelings.
Middle: Show real photos cards or emotions pictures and gently describe each one.
Later Extension: Use a puppet or stuffed toy to act out a story.
End of Activity: Transition for outside time in strollers.
Follow-up Ideas (2): Sing songs about feelings to baby or have daily feelings in the mirror time.