ASELS

ASELS equips early childhood educators with the professional tools they need to plan quality programs of SEL which enrich children's development.

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Who am I & where do I fit in the world? Books are a powerful tool for supporting a child’s growing identity. During the early years, children are constantly figuring out who they are. Books help them shape their sense of self, build confidence & take pride in their heritage.

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You can turn any book into a conversation about inclusion! Ask "How did the characters make others feel included?" or "What makes us unique, just like the people in this story?" Let's read our way toward a kinder, more inclusive society. What are your favourtie children's books?

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Books show characters combining their strengths to solve a shared problem. They show that conflict is a normal part of relationships that can be resolved with kindness. They teach children to listen to all sides of a story, navigate differences & compromise with others #SEL

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- Reading develops emotional intelligence
- Storytime builds self-regulation & focus
- Watching characters navigate conflicts teaches cooperation & conflict resolution.
- Exploring stories from different cultures & backgrounds builds inclusive behaviours & respect for diversity

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Ready to boost children’s emotional toolkit through reading? Name big feelings: this helps children find the words for their own emotions. Step into a character’s shoes: this supports empathetic thinking. Create calm reading time: this builds self-regulation & focus #SEL

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When children participate in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge, they are not just beginning to decode words & build vocabularies, they’re also stepping into the shoes of diverse characters, navigating complex friendships & learning how to process big feelings. Register online today

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Because of your incredible support this month, we are thrilled to announce that we have officially donated 5% of our profits to the Starlight Children's Foundation! 💛Thank you for choosing ASELS & helping us make a real difference in the lives of children!🙏✨

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Let's change how we respond to children’s anxieties.
What to AVOID
Don’t minimize: Avoid saying "you're fine" or "it's nothing." To them, it feels incredibly real.
Don’t demand answers: Avoid asking "why are you doing this?" Mid-panic, the thinking part of their brain is offline.

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Be calm to regulate the chaotic nervous system. Co-regulate by matching eye level & offering a gentle, grounded voice. Distract - help them name 5 things they see, 4 things they can touch, 3 things they hear, 2 things they smell & 1 thing they taste. Guide them to blow out slowly

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Physical: Racing heart, shortness of breath, shaking, sudden stomach aches, nausea/general feeling of unwell
Behavioural: Sudden crying, freezing in place/a desperate need to escape the room
Emotional: Intense dread, expressions of feeling unsafe/fear that they're dying

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A panic attack can be terrifying for a young child who doesn't understand what is happening to their body. Learn how to recognise the signs of a child panic attack and plan strategies to support them through it.

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No two children are the same. That's their greatest strength! Every child brings a completely unique blend of interests, strengths, quirks & ways of seeing the world. Let’s commit to letting children shine in their own distinct ways!
#CelebrateUniqueness #EmbraceIndividuality

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When children learn how to express their feelings, listen to others, take turns in conversation & use kind words, they develop the skills to connect with their peers. Foster this by modelling respectful conversations, guiding group play, reading & supporting conflict resolution.

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When children work together, they learn important relationship skills❤️Support cooperation by creating opportunities for teamwork, allocating shared responsibilities, modelling cooperation, guiding interactions & supporting children through conflict with kindness & respect #SEL

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Empathy should be experienced, modelled & nurtured every day ❤️ Children learn empathy when they are guided to recognise feelings, listen to others & respond with kindness. Play, group activities, storytelling & positive role-modelling can support perspectives taking #SEL

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Relationships play a key role in learning. When children build strong peer connections, they develop confidence, communication skills, empathy and a sense of belonging.

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Research demonstrates the positive effects of peer relationships in the early years, including school adjustment and enhanced self-regulation.

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During the preschool years, peer relationships play a crucial role in children's development. They cultivate social, emotional and cognitive skills.

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We're donating 5% of this month's profits to Starlight Children's Foundation, an amazing charity that supports children & young people through healthcare experiences & all donations made to the charity by May 19th are being doubled by their match-giving partners.

[ASELS @ASELSupport]

Ask "What is this behaviour telling me they need?"

Use a calm voice & fewer words to help them feel safe first.

Intentionally teach the necessary social and emotional skills for success.

Don't forget: Be kind to yourself! Complex behaviours are hard for everyone involved.