Supporting social-emotional learning at school

Starting school at two years old is a big emotional journey

For many children starting in PK2, it’s their first experience in a group setting, away from the comfort of home and family. As they explore toys, songs, and stories, they also learn to express emotions, share space, and connect with others.

Parents often ask how teachers support this important journey of emotional regulation and social-emotional learning. Here's what our teacher, Antoinette, had to say.

"When a child is upset or going through a tough moment, our first priority is to respond with empathy and a calm, supportive presence. We use simple, reassuring language like, “I can see you’re feeling upset,” or “It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated.” This helps children feel heard and understood, an important step in learning how to manage their emotions.

Every child is different, so we offer comfort in ways that suit their needs. That might mean sitting nearby, offering a quiet space, taking deep breaths together, sharing a comforting object like a soft toy or book, or simply being close by until they feel better. If a child is open to it, a hug can be very reassuring too.

Over time, as children become more comfortable identifying their feelings, we gently help them put words to what they’re feeling and guide them toward healthy ways of coping and self-regulating.

We truly value being part of this process and are always here to support your child as they build these important emotional skills."

Social-emotional learning is an essential part of early childhood education. We believe that helping children recognize, understand, and manage their emotions is just as important as learning letters and numbers. Through daily routines, nurturing relationships, and a caring, bilingual environment, we support our youngest students in becoming confident, empathetic, and resilient learners : ready to grow both academically and emotionally.

Beyond Preschool, A student-Centered Approach to Growth

At the Lycée, our objective is always to offer our students exceptional academic opportunities that provide them with the essential skills that will help them navigate the future while not losing track of who they are and what their needs might be. We know that every student’s journey is unique, and we are deeply committed to supporting the individualized needs of each child.

In Primary, teachers dedicate significant time to personalized support, particularly for students learning English as an additional language, while also addressing the wide range of academic and developmental needs within their classrooms. Learning specialists in both French and English ensure consistent guidance and continuity of care for every student while school psychologists play a vital role in supporting the overall well-being of our school community.

In Upper School, we are enhancing our capacity to care for students with staff devoted entirely to supporting special needs. Additionally, our Wellness Center provides a safe, supportive space whenever it is needed throughout the school day.

To frame and enrich this work, we are launching RULER, the Social Emotional Learning program developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. This program equips both students and teachers with powerful tools to understand and manage emotions, foster empathy, and strengthen relationships.