Greeting Each Child: Start the day with a warm greeting, using each child's name. This shows they are seen and valued from the moment they enter.

One-on-One Attention: Take time to connect with children individually, especially those who may need extra support. This could include sitting with them during free play or talking with them during lunch.

Consistency in Responses: Consistent responses to children’s emotions help them understand that they can trust the teacher’s reactions. For example, always responding calmly when a child is upset.

Demonstrate Coping Strategies: Model how to handle frustration or disappointment. For example, if you spill something, you might say, “Uh-oh, I spilled my water. I’m going to take a deep breath and clean it up.

Be Calm and Patient: Children will look to teachers as role models for how to regulate their own emotions. Showing calmness in stressful situations helps children feel more secure.

Encourage Sharing and Cooperation: Offer positive feedback when children share or cooperate with one another. For example, “Thank you for sharing your toy with your friend. Sharing helps everyone feel happy.”

Model Kindness: Regularly show kindness and respectful behavior in your interactions with children and staff, as they will model your behavior. “Please and thank you are important words to use with our friends.”

Feelings Journals: For older preschoolers, create simple "feelings journals" where children can draw or write (with help) about their feelings each day. You might ask, “How did you feel today? What made you happy or sad?”

Check-Ins: Have a daily or weekly check-in to ask children how they’re feeling and what they need. “How are you feeling today? Is there something you want to talk about or share with me?”

Praise Small Achievements: Celebrate even small milestones to help children feel proud of their efforts. For example, “You worked really hard to build that tower! I can see you’re proud of it!”

Acknowledge Efforts: When a child perseveres through a difficult task, acknowledge their effort, not just the success. “You kept trying, even when it was hard. That shows a lot of determination.”

Physical Comfort: Offer comforting gestures like a gentle touch on the back or a hug if the child is upset. “I’m here. It’s okay to feel sad. We’ll figure this out together.”

Reassuring Words: Offer reassuring words when a child is upset. For example, “I understand you’re feeling scared about leaving your mom. It's okay, she’ll be back soon. You're safe here.”