Your Guide to Home Learning: Social Emotional Learning
A very important part of education includes social and emotional learning, and these skills are crucial for children to become successful both academically and socially. Leading by example is a great way to encourage emotional intelligence, which is why we hand-selected the following shows. These characters role model behaviours that you’ll want your kids to reflect. In addition to teaching through your own actions as parents, these 5 series provide extra nourishment for your kids’ hearts and minds. Plus, we have one super fun activity to help kids recognise feelings in an active and creative way.
Mily Miss Questions
Best for kids aged: 5+
Episode Length: 7 minutes
The Show: Nine-year-old Mily investigates life’s most significant philosophical questions, like “What is trust?” and “What is friendship?” This series is great for curious kids who never run out of questions!
Learning Outcome: Kids explore the fundamentals of philosophy and relationships. By modelling an inquisitive female protagonist, kids will learn about critical thinking, too.
Dr. Panda Toto Time
Best for kids aged 3-6
Episode Length: 7 minutes
The Show: Embarking on a new job every day, Dr. Panda learns about the challenges of each profession and uses creative thinking to overcome the obstacles he faces with his friends.
Learning Outcome: Kids will learn about creative problem solving and teamwork.
The Day Henry Met…
Best for kids aged 3-6
Episode Length: 5 minutes
The Show: Henry always wants to learn and find out more. He explores the world around him by interacting with whatever he meets, from the moon, to a car, a birthday cake, or a friendly whale! After learning more about who they are and what they do, he goes on adventures that allow him to share and do the things his new friend does. Henry sometimes gets a little anxious or worried when he is embarking on some adventures, but he is reassured and helped by those around him.
Learning Outcome: This charming series promotes curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking. Henry also models social skills with all the characters he meets.
Brewster the Rooster
Best for kids aged 3-6
Episode Length: 7 minutes
The Show: Brewster the Rooster and his friend Maggie discover answers to questions kids ask – like what are shadows, how do echoes happen, and why do tummies rumble. Together this inquisitive pair take kids on a journey of discovery in a way that gets their creativity flowing!
Learning Outcome: Kids will learn to ask questions, explore and solve problems.
Treehouse Stories
Best for kids aged 4+
Episode Length: 7 minutes
The Show: Mixing live action with animation, this series encourages kids to read and explore the excitement of books. Four kids come together to share their favourite stories and dive into the adventures they offer, while learning about diversity, acceptance, and more. Kids will relate to the topics covered, like how it feels when a new baby sibling enters the family, coping with losing a pet, and spending the summer holiday with grandparents.
Learning Outcome: This series models friendship and sharing, as well as supporting a passion for books. Kids’ biggest questions and life challenges are addressed in a gentle, engaging way.
Activity break: emotion charades
This is a great way to build emotional intelligence in kids. It’s like regular charades, except you exclusively use emotions instead of any other words or titles. Brainstorm feeling words with your kids, from the basics like sad or happy, to more complex emotions like disappointed or embarrassed. Write all of the words down on pieces of paper, and take turns picking up a slip of paper and acting out the word written on it. It’s a lot of fun, and will also increase empathy and interaction skills too.
Social and emotional skills help kids and grownups to connect with others and understand our thoughts and feelings. Developing skills like self-management, self-awareness, expression, empathy, communication and teamwork will help your kids maintain good mental health and motivation. Giving kids these building blocks will support them not only during difficult times like these, but long into the future as well.