Masters Thesis

Playing with “The Toolbox” A Social Emotional Learning Curriculum

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this project was to create an early childhood component for The Toolbox Social and Emotional Curriculum which reflects some of the best developmentally appropriate practices and current research available. Through research of related literature on social emotional learning, personal implementation of Toolbox with preschoolers at the school in which I teach, and collection of data from other early childhood teachers using Toolbox, I sought to determine the adaptations, resources, and applications that will best serve the unique needs of the preschool-aged child. Procedure: During the process of creating this project, I researched related literature on social emotional learning, brain research, and developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education. The Toolbox Project was then connected to the research and evaluated to determine how well it aligns with current research findings – and to reveal adaptations that are necessary for the preschool-aged child. With these findings I created, adapted, and expanded lessons for Toolbox that were designed to address the specific developmental needs of the young child. During the process of teaching this component, I kept field notes and reflections. I have also interviewed and collected data from other early childhood teachers who are using Toolbox. Findings: This project includes: 1) lessons for ECE which were adapted and expanded from The Toolbox Project for Grades K-3, as well as new curriculum which was written specifically for preschool-aged children (4-5 years); 2) art projects and activities developed for the lessons; 3) field notes reflecting on the teaching of this component; 4) suggested adaptations based on research, personal experience, and interviews with ECE teachers; and 5) ECE literature resources to enhance and embed within the curriculum. Conclusion: The Toolbox Project for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Early Childhood Education (ECE) can be adapted to be used at the preschool level with some modifications to ensure that it is developmentally appropriate. The Taking Time Tool seems to be difficult for young children to access, and the Apology and Forgiveness Tool appears to be used in a more mechanical and rote method until an understanding of the Empathy Tool is achieved developmentally. The tools which seem to be most developmentally appropriate are: the Breathing Tool, the Quiet/Safe Place Tool, the Listening Tool, the Empathy Tool, the Personal Space Tool, the Words Tool, the Garbage Can Tool, the Please and Thank You Tool, the Patience Tool, and a beginning understanding of the Courage Tool.

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