Learning Social and Emotional Skills in Pre-School

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.