Personal, Social and Emotional Development
What is Personal, Social and Emotional Development?
This is the final Prime Area of learning. It focuses on helping your child to understand themselves, build positive relationships with others, and develop the confidence to explore the world around them.
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The area is broken down into three main components:
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Self-Regulation – Understanding and managing their own emotions and behaviour in different situations.
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Managing Self – Developing independence, resilience, and confidence, including in areas like self-care and decision-making.
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Building Relationships – Learning to form positive attachments with others, work cooperatively, and understand the feelings of others.
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How is Personal, Social and Emotional Development supported in Story Sense?
Story Sense offers a warm, welcoming environment that naturally builds confidence, friendships, and emotional understanding.
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Supports Emotional Literacy
Through storytelling, children hear about different emotions and experiences, helping them to name and understand their own feelings. -
Encourages Independence and Confidence
By participating in activities, choosing materials, and making decisions, children build resilience and develop self-confidence. -
Builds Positive Relationships
Group storytelling and play help children to learn important skills like turn-taking, empathy, and co-operation.
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Six things you can do at home to support your child’s Personal, Social and Emotional Development:
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Emotional Games:
1. Feelings Faces
Use pictures of faces showing different emotions and talk about what each one might be feeling.
Why it helps: Helps children to recognise and name emotions.
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2. Story Conversations
After reading a book, ask, “How do you think the character felt?” or “What would you do?”
Why it helps: Builds empathy and understanding of emotions.
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Confidence Boosters:
3. Give Choices
Offer small choices, e.g., “Would you like to wear the blue or red jumper?”
Why it helps: Builds independence and decision-making skills.
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4. Praise Effort, Not Just Outcomes
Celebrate trying hard rather than just achieving something perfectly.
Why it helps: Encourages resilience and self-belief.
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Relationship Building:
5. Play Simple Turn-Taking Games
Board games or simple ball games are a fun way to practise waiting and turn-taking.
Why it helps: Builds patience and co-operation.
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6. Arrange Playdates or Group Activities
Give opportunities for your child to socialise in relaxed settings.
Why it helps: Helps to develop friendships and social confidence.