Social and Emotional Learning Tools in the Classsroom

Building Big Feelings Skills: Supporting Social, Emotional, and Problem-Solving Growth in Preschool

Social and emotional learning has proven to be a key factor in setting children up for success, both academically and in life. At Vine & Branches Lutheran Church & Childcare in Aldie, Virginia, we believe learning is about more than just academics—it’s about helping children grow into confident, kind, and capable individuals. In their early years, children are learning how to understand their emotions, build friendships, and work through challenges with others. These social, emotional, and problem-solving skills are essential and are intentionally supported throughout our classrooms each day. In 2026, we are beginning to implement several new resources, both for children and teachers, that help support these areas.

Learning What It Means to Be a Good Friend

One of the new resources we are most excited for is a short story called “I Am a Super Friend”. In it, the author goes through different basic ways children can be good friends to their peers. Introducing children to the ideas of positive peer relationships and how they can control how they relate to those around them helps them learn key skills they can use for life. Stories like “I Am a Super Friend” help children explore what it looks like to share, take turns, use kind words, and include others in play. By seeing these skills modeled in stories, children begin to apply them in real-life classroom situations. Friendship skills don’t always come naturally, especially when big feelings are involved—so providing consistent language and examples helps children feel confident navigating social interactions.

Teaching Children How to Calm Their Bodies and Minds

Young children experience big emotions and learning how to manage those feelings is a skill that develops over time. New tools like the “Tucker Turtle” stories help children learn to pause when they feel overwhelmed. By stopping, taking deep breaths, and thinking of a solution, children begin to understand that they have choices in how they respond to emotions. These regulation strategies help reduce frustration and support children in making thoughtful decisions, especially during peer interactions.

Helping Children Identify and Express Their Feelings

Emotion charts are also being used in our classrooms to help children identify and name how they are feeling. Some key upgrades we are making are real photos of children’s faces with different feelings and calm down tools like a breathing rainbow and chart of different calm down methods they can use in the classroom. When children can express emotions like happiness, frustration, or sadness, they are better able to communicate their needs and seek help when needed. This shared emotional language also helps children recognize feelings in others, strengthening empathy and understanding within the classroom community.

Building Problem-Solving Skills That Strengthen Peer Relationships

Preschool is full of opportunities for problem-solving, especially during play. One new problem-solving book we are using is “Suri Spider Selects a Solution.” This book walks children through the process of what they can do when they inevitably encounter an issue with a peer. Solution cards are also being used that visually help children choose a solution when they want the same toy or have different ideas. Children learn to listen to one another, use words to explain their feelings, and work together to find fair solutions.

Over time, these guided experiences help children become more independent in resolving conflicts. Developing problem-solving skills empowers children to build stronger peer relationships and fosters cooperation and respect. We are looking forward to seeing the impact these tools will have in our classrooms!