Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Learning About Feelings

Goal: Children identify, manage, and express their feelings.

Skill Progression: Emotional expression

Age: 30-33 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 30-33 Months.

Observe the child in natural environments, especially with siblings or peers.

Elicit discussion of emotions in others as they are observed. For example, if a child at the park begins to cry or hit another child, ask the child being observed what is happening. Discuss what the child is feeling and why she is acting the way she is.

The child puts together the causes and consequences of emotions. She can say, for instance, “He’s mad. That kid took his bucket.”

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to talk about the reasons for people feeling and acting in different ways. When negative behavior is observed in others, talk about what else the child could do. This can lead to helping the child learn how to ask for assistance, negotiate, and problem solve.