Social-Emotional Development Part 2: The Science of SEL and Its Long-Term Impact on School Readiness1/6/2025  At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we understand that preparing children for school goes beyond teaching basic academic skills. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an essential piece of the puzzle, deeply rooted in brain science. By focusing on SEL, we are not only preparing children for the classroom but also laying the groundwork for lifelong success.
The Science of Brain Development and SEL During the first five years of life, a child’s brain is growing and changing at an extraordinary rate. Scientists estimate that over one million new neural connections form every second during this period (Center on the Developing Child, 2020). These connections shape the brain’s architecture and influence how children think, feel, and behave throughout their lives. Experiences in early childhood—especially those involving positive social and emotional interactions—play a crucial role in this process. 1. Building Emotional Regulation Through Neural Pathways The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for executive functions like emotional regulation, attention, and problem-solving, undergoes significant development during early childhood. When children engage in SEL activities, such as learning to manage their emotions or resolve conflicts, they strengthen the neural pathways in this part of the brain. For instance, a child practicing deep breathing to calm down is actively wiring their brain for self-regulation, a skill essential for success in school and beyond. 2. The Role of the Stress Response in Brain Development The amygdala, often called the brain’s “fear center,” is responsible for processing emotions, particularly stress and fear. In a supportive environment where SEL is prioritized, the stress response is moderated by positive interactions with caregivers and peers. This helps the brain’s stress-response system (the HPA axis) stay regulated. Over time, children learn to handle challenges without becoming overwhelmed. However, in the absence of supportive SEL practices, chronic stress can impair the development of key brain areas, leading to difficulties in learning, memory, and emotional control (Shonkoff et al., 2012). 3. Strengthening the Brain’s Social Circuitry SEL also strengthens the brain’s “social circuitry,” which involves regions like the orbitofrontal cortex and mirror neuron systems. These areas are activated when children observe and engage in social interactions, such as sharing, cooperating, or empathizing with others. For example, during a group activity where children collaborate to build a tower, the brain is actively processing the social cues, emotions, and problem-solving required for teamwork. These experiences enhance a child’s ability to connect with others, a critical skill for school and life. 4. Early SEL Experiences and Long-Term Brain Health The brain’s plasticity—the ability to adapt and change—makes early childhood an ideal time to invest in SEL. Neural pathways formed during this period create a foundation for how children process emotions and interact with others throughout their lives. Positive SEL experiences in early childhood can lead to better mental health, improved academic performance, and stronger relationships well into adulthood (Jones et al., 2015). By providing children with these experiences early, we’re not just shaping their readiness for school but equipping them for resilience and adaptability in the face of future challenges. The Long-Term Benefits of SEL 1. Emotional Regulation for Learning and Growth Children who practice SEL develop strong emotional regulation skills, allowing them to handle frustrations, transitions, and challenges in school. These skills directly impact their ability to focus on tasks, listen to instructions, and persist through difficulties. 2. Social Skills for Collaboration Learning to share, cooperate, and empathize through SEL activities builds social skills that are invaluable in group settings like classrooms. Children who can work well with others are more likely to form positive relationships with peers and teachers, creating a supportive learning environment. 3. Executive Function Development SEL activities strengthen executive functions, which are key to planning, decision-making, and goal-setting. These skills help children transition from one task to another, follow multi-step directions, and achieve long-term goals, all of which are essential for academic success. 4. Resilience and Stress Management By teaching children how to cope with stress and challenges, SEL reduces the impact of toxic stress, protecting their brain health and enhancing their resilience. These coping mechanisms support not only school readiness but also long-term well-being. 5. Lifelong Success Research shows that children with strong SEL skills in early childhood are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and maintain stable employment (Jones et al., 2015). These benefits highlight the lasting impact of investing in SEL during the critical years of brain development. How We Support SEL at Las Colinas Children’s Academy
The Takeaway The science of brain development emphasizes the importance of social-emotional learning in early childhood. By providing children with experiences that nurture their emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functions, we’re preparing them not just for school, but for a lifetime of success. At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we are committed to supporting every child’s growth through intentional SEL practices that build healthy brains and bright futures. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll explore simple and effective ways families can support SEL at home! References
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 Social-emotional development might sound like a fancy term, but at its core, it’s all about helping kids understand their feelings, build relationships, and learn how to interact with the world around them. For children from birth to age five, this type of growth is just as important as learning their ABCs or how to count to ten. It’s the foundation for things like forming friendships, managing emotions, and handling life’s little ups and downs.
What Is Social-Emotional Development? In simple terms, social-emotional development is about learning how to feel and connect. It’s the process that helps kids:
For example, when a toddler learns to say, “I’m mad!” instead of hitting or throwing a toy, that’s social-emotional growth in action. When a preschooler comforts a friend who’s upset, they’re showing empathy—a key skill that starts developing in these early years. Why Is It So Important?
How Can We Support Social-Emotional Growth? The great thing about social-emotional development is that it’s not something that only happens in the classroom—it starts right at home and in everyday interactions. Here are some simple ways you can help your child grow in this area:
Helpful Resources for Parents Here are some excellent resources to help you learn more about social-emotional development and how to support your child: The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL): CSEFEL Parent Tools. Offers printable tools and activities to help families promote social-emotional skills at home. Zero to Three: Social-Emotional Development Resources. Provides research-based tips and strategies for parents of infants and toddlers. PBS Parents: Emotional Growth. Fun articles and activities to help support your child’s emotional development through play and everyday moments. Harvard University Center on the Developing Child: How Early Experiences Shape Social-Emotional Development. Learn about the science behind early social-emotional growth and why it matters. Books for Kids:
Why We’re Talking About This This blog is the first in our Social-Emotional Development Series, and we’re so excited to dive deeper into this topic with you. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore activities, strategies, and tips to help nurture these essential skills in children ages 0-5. Social-emotional development isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s a journey, and we’re here to walk alongside you and your family. Together, we can help our little ones grow into confident, compassionate, and emotionally strong individuals. Stay tuned for more! And if you have any specific questions or topics you’d like us to cover, let us know. Let’s make this a conversation! |
Cynthia RangelCynthia has been working in childcare for nearly a decade and has experience with every age group—from infants and toddlers to preschoolers. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education and serves as the Assistant Director and Social Media Manager at Las Colinas Children’s Academy. Cynthia brings joy and energy into the classroom every day, and loves to read, sing, and dance alongside the children as they learn and grow together. Archives
April 2025
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