Social and Emotional Learning in Norwegian Kindergarten

"The interventions is a 28 weeks program divided into five themes. The themes are 1. Skills that promotes learning, 2. Empathy, 3. Managing emotions, 4. Friendship skills and problem solving, and 5. Transitioning to school.~The intervention consists of daily activities. The guidebook is a central part of the program and provides the kindergarten teachers with practical tools and activities to implement the program in everyday settings. The guidebook includes:~28 weekly themes: Each week introduces a new theme with related activities and discussion topics.~Brain-building games: Activities designed to strengthen children's cognitive skills and self-regulation.~Songs and music: Songs that reinforce the learning of social skills. Parent connections: Information sheets and activities to involve parents in their children's social-emotional development.~Puppet theatre: The use of hand puppets Dog and Snail to illustrate and discuss feelings and social situations."

"Control kindergartens will have additional designated playtime consisting of free play for 28 weeks. The checklist for play conditions is defined as when: Time is set aside in the daily kindergarten routine where (1) it is clearly announced or signaled to the children that it is now free play, (2) it is an absence of requirements for sedentary sitting (unless it is part of the children's play), (3) it is not a situation where children are required to follow instructions (unless it is part of the children's play or general rules in the kindergarten (?)), (4) it is an absence of a pronounced learning outcome or goal with the activities available for the children (beyond what is defined by the children themselves), (5) the children can start and finish activities themselves, and choose what they want to participate in, and (6) adults can join in the game/initiate, but on the children's terms, and the children can choose to leave this game whenever they want."