Developmental Stages
Milestones & Classroom Strategies
Social and emotional development unfolds in predictable—yet deeply individual—stages. Select a stage to explore key milestones and evidence-based classroom strategies.
Social & Emotional Milestones
- 1Begins cooperative play
- 2Develops a sense of empathy
- 3Learns to share with others and take turns
- 4Can identify basic emotions
- 5Forms positive friendships
- 6Begins to follow rules
Emotion Check-In Circle
Incorporate a daily morning circle and have children identify their emotional state by using visuals such as a feelings chart. This routine normalizes emotional awareness and supports empathy, and gives teachers an idea of who may need extra support that day.
Feelings Storytelling
Read picture books about emotions and lead group guided discussions about the characters' feelings. Incorporating storytelling will help students build connections to their own experiences and feelings.