Growing Happy Minds: The Power of Emotional Learning in Pre-Primary

In the early years, a child’s heart grows just as much as their mind. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) teaches young children how to understand their feelings, build friendships, and make good choices. It lays the emotional foundation for lifelong success and happiness.

Social and Emotional Learning is about helping children recognize their emotions, manage them wisely, show empathy, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In Pre-Primary, SEL happens naturally — through stories, role-play, group activities, and everyday moments.

Children learn to name their feelings — happy, sad, angry, excited — and understand that all emotions are okay. Activities like sharing toys, team games, and cooperative projects teach children how to make and keep friends. Waiting for a turn, following rules during a game, and managing small disappointments help build self-regulation skills. Storytelling, group discussions, and real-life examples help children step into others' shoes and develop compassion. Simple classroom routines and clear expectations teach children how to make good choices, solve problems, and be responsible.

Social and Emotional Learning boosts confidence and emotional resilience. It strengthens communication and listening skills, reduces anxiety and behavioral challenges, fosters a positive, safe, and inclusive classroom environment, and prepares children for academic and life success.

It can be tempting to focus only on academics, but SEL shows us that a child who feels safe, loved, and understood will naturally do better in every area. Teachers and parents play a powerful role in modeling calmness, respect, and empathy.

At OGS Juniors, we believe that the heart is just as important as the mind. Our Pre-Primary classrooms are spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued.
Because when children learn to love themselves and others, they are ready to learn anything!