Social and Emotional Development

At Cullman Center, we believe that social and emotional skills are just as important as learning letters, numbers, and colors. These skills help children make friends, share their feelings, solve problems, and feel confident in themselves.

Every day, we help children learn how to understand their feelings, build positive relationships, and make good choices. When children feel safe, loved, and supported, they are more ready to learn and grow.

To support social and emotional development, we use the New York State Pyramid Model and focus on three simple expectations: Safe, Kind, and Calm

Being safe means taking care of yourself, other people, and your surroundings. Children practice being safe when they:

  • Walk inside.
  • Use gentle hands and feet.
  • Follow directions.
  • Clean up toys after playing.
  • Ask an adult for help when they need it.

When children feel safe, they are more comfortable trying new things, learning, and making friends.

Being kind means showing care, respect, and kindness to others. Children practice being kind when they:

  • Share toys and materials.
  • Take turns.
  • Use kind words.
  • Help a friend who needs support.
  • Invite others to play.
  • Listen when someone is talking.
  • Comfort a friend who is feeling sad.

Kindness helps children build strong friendships and creates a classroom where everyone feels welcome.

Being calm means learning what to do when we have big feelings.

Children learn that it is okay to feel happy, excited, frustrated, worried, angry, or sad. Everyone has big feelings sometimes. We help children learn healthy ways to express those feelings and feel better.

Children practice being calm when they:

  • Take deep breaths.
  • Count to ten.
  • Ask for a break.
  • Express their feelings.
  • Listen to calming music.
  • Draw or color.
  • Read a book.
  • Talk to a trusted adult.

Being calm does not mean never getting upset. It means learning what to do when feelings become big.

How Families Can Practice at Home

Children learn best when they hear the same messages at home and at school. Families can help by talking about being safe, kind, and calm every day.

At Home, You Can Practice Being Safe By:

  • Picking up toys after playtime.
  • Following family safety rules.
  • Using gentle hands with siblings and pets.
  • Wearing seat belts and helmets.
  • Asking for help when something feels unsafe.

At Home, You Can Practice Being Kind By:

  • Saying “please” and “thank you.”
  • Helping with chores.
  • Sharing with brothers, sisters, and friends.
  • Giving compliments.
  • Helping someone who needs support.

At Home, You Can Practice Being Calm By:

  • Taking deep breaths together.
  • Creating a cozy place to relax.
  • Talking about feelings.
  • Reading books together.
  • Listening to calming music.
  • Going for a walk.
  • Coloring or drawing.

Questions to Ask Your Child

  • “What was a safe choice you made today?”
  • “How were you kind to someone today?”
  • “What helped you stay calm when you had a big feeling?”
  • “Did someone do something kind for you today?”
  • “How can we help someone who is feeling sad?”
  • Growing Together

Social and emotional skills take time to learn, just like reading and math. By working together, families and teachers can help children build confidence, solve problems, make friends, and handle big feelings.

At Cullman Child Development Center, we are committed to helping every child feel Safe, Kind, and Calm so they can learn, grow, and thrive every day.