Developing empathy and self-awareness and building theory of mind can begin in early childhood, even in distance learning. These social emotional skills are interdependent and the foundation for understanding others. These competencies are essential components of social emotional learning (SEL) and wellbeing and can have far-reaching implications as we try to develop a more inclusive and caring society.
• Demonstrate the importance of social and emotional assessments in early childhood in order to evaluate a students’ socio-emotional well-being.
• Utilize concrete exercises to help children read others, foster perspective-taking and express empathy (not just sympathy).
• Design curriculum and activities to include empathy, self-awareness and theory of mind
• Create student connectedness and healthy school-based relationships to cultivate equitable learning