The month of September brings not only brings new relationships, but also new learning opportunities! In our Preschool 1 room, children have expressed many different feelings—from tearful goodbyes in the morning, to moments of challenge and big emotions during the day, to the happiness and excitement of reuniting with family at pick-up time.
To help children build self-regulation strategies, we have established various opportunities that support them in managing their emotions. One meaningful area in our classroom is the “calming corner.” This cozy space provides a safe place for children to go when they are feeling upset, angry, overwhelmed, or simply in need of some quiet time away from others. Inside, we have visuals of calming yoga poses, feelings charts, and illustrations of different emotions, all of which help the children develop self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, and regulation skills. Through the use of the calming corner and other daily experiences, our Preschoolers are also strengthening their independence and decision-making skills as they choose strategies that work best for them. They practice problem-solving by learning what helps them feel better, whether that’s taking deep breaths, or having quiet time.
A big part of supporting children’s emotional growth also comes from the routines we follow each day. Consistent routines, such as morning snack, group time, outdoor play, rest time, and group transitions, help children feel secure and confident in knowing what comes next. These predictable patterns build a sense of stability, encourage self-regulation, time management, and responsibility, and allow children to actively participate in the rhythm of the day. Over time, routines also strengthen independence as children learn to care for their belongings, tidy up materials, and follow classroom expectations with growing confidence
Equally important, our Preschoolers are developing social-emotional and communication skills. We often hear children using empathetic phrases like “Are you okay?” or “Do you need a hug or a high five?” These moments show how they are learning to recognize the emotions of others, practice empathy, cooperation, and co-regulation, and use positive language to connect with peers. By working through their emotions together, the children are not only gaining tools to handle challenges now, but also building the resilience, confidence, and social skills that will support them in future learning and life experiences.
We are so excited for all the growth that lies ahead in Preschool 1. With every hug shared, challenge overcome, and milestone celebrated, our children are learning more about themselves and the world around them. Together with families, we look forward to creating a joyful rest of year filled with learning, laughter, and meaningful connections.
