Fostering Emotional Development

Introduction to emotional development 

Recognising, expressing, and controlling emotions, establishing safe attachments, and growing in empathy and self-worth are all components of emotional growth (Garvis et al., 2019; Kaywork, 2020). The brain foundation for lifetime mental health and self-regulation are laid over the first three years (Harding, 2023; Newman et al., 2015). 

Key teacher competencies 

• Co-regulation via emotional contemplation and serene presence 

• Identifying and embracing every feeling without passing judgement 

• Establishing a secure, trustworthy atmosphere that encourages independence 

• Emotional literacy modelling and conflict resolution (Dean et al., 2019; Masterson, 2018) 

Australian curriculum links 

Emotional learning is connected with: 

• Puppetry and drama (feeling stories) 

• Movement and music (body awareness) 

• Sensory expression in art 

• Daily changes and moments of care 

Three original learning experiences