Workshop Description

Early childhood teachers have long known the importance of weaving social and emotional skills into the fabric of the school day, and now more than ever, it is clear that school needs to be more than just a place to learn academic content. We also know that the most effective and meaningful way for children to learn key social and emotional (SEL) skills is through relevant learning experiences, rather than solely through isolated SEL “lessons.” 

While many early childhood educators might assume their students can’t engage in PBL because young children are at the beginning of their social and emotional development, young children’s initial dependence and developing collaborative skills should not be an obstacle to having them participate in Project Based Learning.  These challenges are, in fact, the very reasons to have them participate. PBL gives students authentic opportunities to practice essential social and emotional skills that lead to collaboration and independence because PBL naturally embeds those skills into relevant learning environments by way of authentic problems and contexts.

In this 3.5 hour workshop, participants deepen their understanding of SEL, specifically focusing on the skills and competencies that lead children to become more collaborative, independent learners. We offer strategies for intentionally integrating SEL into a project plan while leaving the unit open for additional spontaneous SEL opportunities.  We encourage you to schedule this workshop if you want to explore how PBL uniquely positions teachers to embed meaningful SEL skills and competencies into projects, thereby supporting young children in their social and emotional growth that extends far beyond the classroom.