Learning Social and Emotional Skills in Pre-School
Building foundations for the future
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Social and emotional development begins early in life. This is when children start to understand who they are, what they are feeling and what to expect when interacting with others. It’s when they learn how to form and sustain positive relationships; experience, manage and express emotions.
A growing body of scientific evidence confirms that children who acquire a strong emotional foundation skill in the early years can better manage everyday social interactions later in life. It is critical for the development of overall brain architecture and has enormous consequences on their ability to learn.
That’s why together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, UNICEF and the United Kingdom Government are supporting a programme to introduce the development of social and emotional skills in pre-school. The first kindergartens pioneering the programme in the country showed that through play, exercises and storytelling pre-school children are able to better express their feelings, they get along better, show empathy for others in the group, care more about the environment, and feel happier. Initially piloted in selected kindergartens, with the support of Peer Support Teachers the programme is now being rolled out across the country.
Take a look at how Peer Support Teachers from the kindergartens “Majski cvet” in Bitola, “Mladost” in Tetovo, “Pavlina Veljanovska” in Kocani, “Dimce Mirchev” in Veles, “8 March” and “Koco Racin” in Skopje have been applying the strategies and tools to help children acquire social and emotional skills that are the foundation for formal learning and social interaction in school years and beyond. While the images capture approaches used before the COVID-19 prevention and protection measures were introduced, the programme continues to be adapted to the special considerations and pandemic guidelines.
Managing stress and conflict situations
Conflict situations give birth to stress and stress can trigger conflict situations. See how Mira Gjorgjievska, Pedagogue and Peer Support Teacher from Skopje is working with children to help them deal with difficult situations.
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We are our best friend – Self-Acceptance
Teaching children from early age to respect themselves and to nurture self-love help them show respect and love to others. See how teacher Aleksandra Andonovska – Janeva, Peer Support Teacher from Veles is implementing self-acceptance techniques.
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Self-Regulation
Teaching children how to self-regulate in the early years helps them understand and control emotions, focus on learning and manage stress. Learn more about the strategies used by Tatjana Gregova, Peer Support Teacher in Bitola.
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Self-Awareness
Teaching children self-awareness in the first years of life helps them develop strong social emotional abilities. See how Tatjana Gregova, Peer Support Teacher is implementing strategies to help children build a strong sense of self in Bitola.
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Social and Emotional Learning is Skills for Learning and Life
By giving young children the tools to self-regulate we give them the foundation skills they need for learning and life. Learn more from Imijan Ameti, Peer Support Teacher, Hadjere Mahmudi, Teacher, Elita Mehmedi, Care Giver and Ramije Dauti, Kindergarden Director about how the strategies are helping children in Tetovo.
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Morning Greetings Help Children Build a Sense of Belonging
When children can choose the way they want to be greeted, they develop a sense of belonging and it sets a positive tone for the day. Learn more from Hadjere Mahmudi, Teacher in Tetovo.
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Building strong relationships
Social and emotional development equips children with skills for learning and life. Engaging families helps strengthen these skills and create opportunities for children to practice what they learn at home. See how Snezana Guculj, Peer Support Teacher from Skopje is engaging families.
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Engaging families
Engaging families strengthens children's social and emotional skills and creates opportunities for children to share and express their emotions at home. These skills help set the foundation for learning and life. See what parents in Skopje have to say about the initiative.
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Expressing gratitude and respect
Repeating affirmative words and words of happiness help children relax their brain and become ready to learn a new activity. See what relaxing techniques practices the teacher Jovanka Eftimova, Peer Support Teacher from Kochani.
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