PRCTC Early Childhood Education Students Promote Emotional Literacy

Early Childhood Education (ECE) professionals and students from area ECE programs attended the annual PAC Conference, where they learned social-emotional strategies to implement in the classroom.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) students from Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center (PRCTC) have been busy this school year. Second-year students attended a local, annual early childhood conference and the Mississippi Early Childhood Conference in Meridian.

ECE students from PRCTC co-presented at the local early childhood conference on social-emotional literacy strategies early childhood professionals can use in the classroom.

To prepare for the presentation, second-year ECE students researched innovative ways to teach children social-emotional literacy along with classroom management techniques. Armed with their knowledge and passion, they captivated the audience of 180 participants with “What’s Wrong With You?! Emotional Literacy, Why it Matters and What

You Can Do About It.”

ECE students began the session by connecting with the participants’ emotions with lively music and ways to express themselves. Research was presented showing the lasting effects of gaining emotional literacy or the lack thereof.

They shared innovative techniques that would make even the most stoic educators smile. From calm-down strategies to dance parties promoting self-expression, these future professionals showed that learning can be fun, and emotions can be embraced. Sensory materials were a hit as well. Attendees learned about the importance of connecting to nature, yoga, water, music, calming lotion and providing a safe space in the classroom.

These ECE students hope to help other educators with their invaluable insights.