Understanding young children’s minds is key for early years teachers. Discover tips to support their emotional and cognitive development.
Ever wondered what’s happening in the mind of a young child? Their behaviors can be confusing—one moment they demand independence, the next, they cling to you for support. These contradictions can leave even seasoned early years educators puzzled.
The good news? These behaviors are not only normal but are vital milestones in a child’s cognitive and emotional development. Here, we’ll explore the fascinating workings of a young child’s brain and how you can support their growth in the classroom and beyond.
The Rapid Growth of a Young Child’s Brain
The first five years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. During this time, their brains evolve from a survival-focused “lower brain” to a more analytical and reasoning “higher brain.” As explained in Dr. Dan Siegel’s The Whole Brain Child, children’s brains develop in stages:
- Downstairs Brain: Primitive and reactive, this is where instincts like fight or flight originate.
- Upstairs Brain: Sophisticated and analytical, responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation.
To help children strengthen their “upstairs brain,” they need consistent support and repeated practice with managing emotions and behaviors. This process, often referred to as “use it or lose it,” highlights the importance of engaging them in meaningful and repetitive activities.
Why Children’s Behaviors Can Seem Inconsistent
Think about what your preschoolers are learning:
- Navigating friendships
- Understanding empathy, sharing, and taking turns
- Building cognitive skills like counting and vocabulary
- Facing separation anxiety and learning emotional expression
Add to that the challenges of hunger, tiredness, and “big feelings,” and it’s no surprise their behaviors can be unpredictable. One day they master a skill; the next, it’s forgotten amid the swirl of emotions and external pressures.
How Educators Can Support Young Minds
1. Foster Safe and Trusting Relationships
Children thrive in environments where they feel secure. Build relationships through consistency, calmness, and patience. Use the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to foster secure attachments and co-regulate their emotions.
2. Engage Parents in the Process
Parents often lack the experience educators have in supporting emotional and behavioral development. Share simple strategies or direct them to resources like The Parenting Handbook. Regular updates via newsletters or social media can also help parents reinforce classroom lessons at home.
3. Encourage Emotional Expression Through Play
Play is essential for young children. Use role-playing and storytelling to explore feelings and behaviors in a safe, supportive way. Interactive books, like Bartley’s Books, can help children process emotions like separation anxiety or frustration.
4. Build a Healthy Mind Platter
Dr. Dan Siegel’s Healthy Mind Platter outlines seven key activities for brain development: sleep, movement, downtime, focus, play, self-reflection, and connection. Incorporate these into daily routines with activities like yoga, mindfulness, or collaborative projects.
Why Emotional Regulation Is Key
Research shows that children who develop social and emotional skills early are better equipped to face future challenges. Supporting them to regulate their emotions not only helps them thrive now but lays the foundation for lifelong success.
Educators, your role is critical. The love, patience, and dedication you bring to early years education shapes not just the child’s present but their future too. Thank you for making such a profound difference in the lives of young learners.
