In the Dolphin Classroom, we always incorporate Social and Emotional Learning into our daily curriculum. Social and Emotional learning (SEL) is defined as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process in which all young people learn to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal/collective goals, feel & show empathy for others, establish supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions (CASEL 2020). 

In the Kindergarten age, when conflict arises many children are finding the balance between needing assistance from adults and independent problem solving. In this project, we embarked on a journey to answer the questions: Is this a child-sized problem or a grown-up sized problem? Can I solve this problem on my own or do I need help from a grown up? What would I have to do or say to solve this problem on my own? After frequent community discussions, exploring different scenarios, and role-playing, the Dolphins gained a better understanding on what it means to be a problem solver and the importance of communication with their peers. 

In this project, Dolphins were given the task to work with a partner to create a visual representation of a child sized problem and a grown up sized problem. Here are some of the scenarios they came up with:

Child sized problems: Someone has a toy that you want, you want to join a game that others are playing, there is not enough room for your body on the rug.

Grown-up sized problems: There is a fire, you have a broken leg, someone is repeatedly bothering you and won’t stop.