Educators have more of an impact on our children than we may ever realize. Research consistently shows that teachers have long-lasting and profound effects on influencing their students’ academic success, social skills, and even their emotional well-being. As they develop, children will often encounter big emotions that they may have trouble coping with. Thankfully, their teachers can help them understand what exactly it is they’re experiencing and how to navigate their feelings healthily.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Children are more likely to express their emotions in an environment where they feel safe and understood. Teachers can foster this in their own classroom by:
- Building strong and trusting relationships with each of their students by effectively communicating with them
- Responding calmly and consistently to emotional outbursts
- Reassure students that their feelings are valid, even if their behaviors may need guidance
When children feel safe and supported, they are more likely to be willing to learn how to manage their emotions overall.
Naming and Validating Feelings
Young children are experiencing a wide range of emotions for the first time, and are often too overwhelmed to describe exactly how they feel and why. Teachers can help by validating and labeling different emotions to help their students understand them better.
For example, if a child becomes frustrated with a classmate and responds by hitting, a teacher can reassure them while also correcting their behavior. They may say, “It looks like you’re upset. It’s okay to feel upset, but it’s not okay to hit.”
They may also teach different emotions by incorporating them into catchy songs and daily discussions that will help children understand and identify them.
Teaching Coping Strategies
Children may not always react appropriately when they’re experiencing big emotions. Teachers can help them with this by introducing simple and age-appropriate tools such as:
- Deep breathing and counting exercises
- Using positive self-talk (e.g., “I’m feeling angry, so I’m going to take a deep breath”).
- Using sensory tools such as balls or fidget toys to help with regulation
Working on these strategies regularly helps children use them when emotions are running high.
Modeling Healthy Emotional Regulation
Children are little sponges who learn by example, and they mimic the behaviors they witness in the adults around them. Teachers can enforce healthy emotional regulation by:
- Pausing and taking a deep breath before reacting
- Taking a short break in a calm space
- Using their words to ask for help
Why This Matters
Studies suggest that 88% of people claim that a teacher had a significantly positive impact on their life, even into adulthood. When teachers help their students navigate big emotions as children, they are setting them up for essential lifelong skills, such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. These skills not only support academic success, but also success in personal relationships and overall well-being. Our Harbor Child Care educators may just be some of the most monumental figures in your children’s lives. Contact us today for more information about our centers in Clen Cove, Herricks, Manhasset, Uniondale, Roslyn, and Mineola.
