Research Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to explore how early childhood educators effectively integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies into daily classroom activities.
Research Questions:
How do early childhood educators integrate social-emotional learning into daily classroom activities effectively?
Sub Questions:
- What are the most effective SEL strategies for promoting self-regulation in early childhood?
- How does explicit SEL instruction impact children’s emotional intelligence in early childhood?
Data Analysis:
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Interviews with Educators (Qualitative Method)-Purpose: To understand educators’ experiences, beliefs, and challenges related to integrating SEL into daily activities (3-4 Interviews)
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Observations (Qualitative Method) Purpose: To observe how educators incorporate SEL strategies in real-time classroom settings. (4-5 Observations)
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Surveys and Questionnaires (Quantitative Method)Purpose: To collect data on educator practices, perceptions, and self-reported effectiveness of SEL strategies. [https://forms.gle/jfwJaHnwtfLgZv317]
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Focus Groups (Optional Qualitative Method) Purpose: To facilitate group discussions with educators about shared experiences, challenges, and best practices in integrating SEL. (1 Group discussion)
Tentative Timeline:
- Complete all preparation and recruitment, ensuring you have all tools and participants ready.
- Collect at least 75% of your qualitative and quantitative data. Ensure interviews and observations are progressing on schedule.
- Complete data analysis and produce a solid draft of the research report.
Reflections Before: Beginning:
I’ve witnessed how SEL practices positively impact children’s emotional growth and classroom behavior. This research gives me an opportunity to explore how educators implement these strategies and how they can be improved to reach all learners. Given my strong belief in the importance of SEL, I need to be careful not to overlook challenges or negative feedback from educators. I will remain open to all perspectives and base my conclusions on the data collected.
4 References:
“Promoting Young Children’s Social and Emotional Health”
Authors: Mona M. Abo-Zena, Laura L. Harkins, and Jennifer M. Ferrell
Published in: Young Children, March 2018
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/promoting-social-and-emotional-health
Evidence-Based Strategies: The study offers insight into practical strategies that early childhood educators can implement to promote social and emotional health in young children. By reading it, I can gather concrete examples of SEL strategies, which will be important for supporting my research on how to integrate SEL into daily classroom activities.
“Beyond the ABCs: How to Integrate Social-Emotional Learning into Early Childhood Education”
Authors: Dr. Melissa Schlinger and Dr. Shantel Meek
Published in: Pearson Assessments, July 2024
Classroom Integration: The article discusses how to integrate SEL into various areas of the curriculum, not just during “SEL time,” but throughout the day, in activities like circle time, group work, or play. This is crucial to my research as it will provide real-life examples of how to weave SEL into classroom life, making it a constant part of children’s learning experience.
“Fostering Socio-Emotional Learning Through Early Childhood Intervention”
Authors: M. Caridad Araujo, Marta Dormal, and Norbert Schady
Published in: International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 2021
https://ijccep.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40723-021-00084-8
Focus on Early Childhood Intervention: Since my research revolves around integrating SEL strategies into early childhood classrooms, this article’s emphasis on early childhood intervention will provide insight into how targeted interventions can support social-emotional development at a crucial stage in children’s lives. Understanding the role of early intervention can help me explore how specific programs or strategies can be implemented in classrooms to foster SEL.
“ASPIRE to Wellbeing and Learning for All in Early Years and Primary: The Principles Underpinning Positive Education” by Sue Roffey, published by Routledge:Roffey, S. (2023). ASPIRE to wellbeing and learning for all in early years and primary: The principles underpinning positive education. Routledge.
Evidence-Based Approaches: Roffey is a well-respected expert in the field of SEL and positive psychology in education. Her work is likely informed by a robust body of research, providing evidence-based practices that I can draw from for my own study. This will be useful when discussing which methods and strategies have been shown to effectively foster SEL in the early years classroom.