Starting School 2: Social-Emotional Readiness:

Fostering Empathy and Communication

In this second instalment of our series, we’ll be focusing on a crucial aspect of school readiness: social-emotional skills. Navigating social situations, understanding and expressing emotions, and communicating effectively are all critical for a successful transition to school.

There’s no denying that the last few years have been difficult: the global pandemic and the after effects of it mean that the children starting school now have had reduced opportunities to socialise and practise these social-emotional skills.

Since 2020, you might have experienced: cancelled baby & toddler classes, closures of your child’s preschool or nursery or lockdowns that limited your ability to catch up with friends. Whilst it’s hard right now to monitor the impact on children who spent their formative years in lockdowns, teachers have anecdotally told me that children starting school now have had a tougher time with the social and emotional aspects.

That being said, I don’t think there is a reason for us to lose hope. Children are remarkably adaptable, and there are plenty of ways to help them foster empathy and develop their communication skills.

What we’ll cover this week:

• Emotional Regulation: Staying Cool in the Heat of the Moment

• Communication Skills: The Key to Making Friends and Resolving Conflicts

• Examining Feelings: The First Step Towards Empathy

• Listening Skills: More Than Just Hearing

• Building Confidence: Celebrating Your Child’s Uniqueness