Look around the room. Pay attention to all of your senses. How does the room smell? How is the light? Is the chair you are sitting in comfortable? How about the sounds?

I am going to play some different types of music and ask you to close your eyes and think about how the different music makes you feel. Choose one word and write it down on a post-it note for each song.

Now think about your classroom environment. How do you think each child feels in your classroom? Do you think they all react the same? Are you planning your environment to be sure that all children feel safe and emotionally ready to learn? Do you include social and emotional skill building in your curriculum planning? Do you give social and emotional learning the same emphasis that you give to academics?

It is necessary to plan for and implement effective social and emotional curriculum. We spend lots of time focused on academics, but really without a strong social and emotional foundation, children cannot succeed in school or in life.

About Me

Donna Greene, MA has worked in the field of early care and education for more than 25 years. She is currently a full time faculty member in the Department of Child Development and Education at College of the Desert. During her career in ECE, she has sought to improve the lives of children and families within her sphere of influence. Donna discovered her passion for early care and education while taking classes at Mt. San Jacinto College in San Jacinto. She went on from Mt. San Jacinto to Chapman University and later to California State University at San Bernardino, always seeking to understand children and family dynamics. Her areas of interest include Early Literacy and Dual Language Learners, Reflective Practices for Classroom Teachers, and Infant and Toddler Education and Care Best Practices. Donna is an active member of her community and college and has been instrumental in starting new programs and working with currently running programs to ensure best practices.