Wellbeing
Wellbeing Update - Supporting Children's Social and Emotional Development
Before the end of term, all classes will be explicitly teaching and practising two important behaviours from our Matrix of Expected Behaviours:
Naming and discussing our feelings and giving everyone personal space.
These skills help children build positive relationships, solve problems, manage emotions and feel safe and respected at school.
Naming and Discussing Our Feelings
Research shows that children who can recognise and name their emotions are better able to regulate their behaviour and communicate their needs. Psychologist Marc Brackett explains that "if we can name our emotions, we can better understand and manage them."
You can support this learning at home by:
- Talking about feelings during everyday conversations.
- Naming your own emotions (e.g. "I'm feeling frustrated because I'm running late.").
- Helping your child use a range of feeling words beyond "good" and "bad."
- Discussing how emotions feel in the body.
- Reading books together and talking about how characters might be feeling.
Try asking:
- How are you feeling today?
- What made you feel that way?
- What might help right now?
Giving Everyone Personal Space
Children are also learning that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to physical closeness and touch. Understanding personal space helps children build friendships, play safely and show respect for others.
You can support this learning at home by:
- Talking about a "personal space bubble."
- Encouraging children to notice body language and facial expressions.
- Practising asking permission before hugging, tickling or touching others.
- Modelling respectful boundaries within the family.
Simple reminders such as "Let's check if they would like a hug" or "Everyone gets to decide what feels comfortable for their body" help reinforce these skills.
A Helpful Strategy: Emotion Coaching
Research by psychologist John Gottman suggests children learn emotional regulation best when adults acknowledge feelings before trying to solve problems. For example:
"I can see you're disappointed. That makes sense. Let's think about what we can do next."
By working together at home and school, we can help children develop the emotional awareness, communication skills and respectful relationships that support their wellbeing and success.
Resources for Families
If you would like to explore these topics further, the following free resource provides practical information and activities for families:
• Raising Children Network – School age: social and emotional development
Joanne Weston
Wellbeing and Inclusion Leader