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Social Competence

Blog Posts
A woman in a coral cap smiles while playing with a toddler on blue rocking horse toys. The background has abstract shapes in light blue and tan colors.
Before They Say “I Can”: How Early Conversation Shapes Confidence in Early Childhood
Sometimes, confidence in young children doesn’t always show up in big moments. Sometimes it shows up in small choices throughout their day.
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Tip Sheets
Infographic titled “Conversation Starters for Feelings & Emotions: Toddler–Preschool” with five colorful sections giving tips on helping children talk about feelings, including listening, labeling emotions, and adding words to emotions.
Conversation Starters for Feelings & Emotions
One of the most effective ways to increase emotional intelligence is to talk about feelings! These tips offer ways to support children in identifying, acknowledging, and working through their emotions.
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Tip Sheets
A colorful flyer titled “Using the 14 Talking Tips to support emotional development” lists six tips for supporting children’s emotional development, with hand-drawn icons and text in purple, black, and orange on a white background.
Using the 14 Talking Tips To Support Emotional Development
This resource (available in English & Spanish) helps support children in learning to recognize, understand, and navigate their feelings and emotions. Share with educators and families in your community!
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White Papers
A woman lovingly hugs a smiling baby, who rests their head on her chest. Both are shown in close-up, capturing a tender, joyful moment. The image is in black and white.
LENA Grow and Language/Social Skills
How does LENA Grow, a professional development program for early educators, help improve children’s language and social skills?
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Webinars
An adult woman gently holds a baby in her arms inside a room with toys and a white crib in the background. The woman looks at the baby, who is wearing a green outfit and appears to be reaching out.
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Education
In this webinar we will discuss how a focused approach on educator-child interactions can enhance relationships and support healthy social behaviors.
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Blog Posts
Webinar Highlights: Growing Confident Learners. Four headshots of diverse speakers are shown on a purple background with decorative stars, beside bold white event text and an image of a smiling adult hugging a child.
Growing Confident Learners: Webinar Highlights
In “Growing Confident Learners,” experts explored questions about the critical role of self-confidence in early childhood education.
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Blog Posts
A woman in a purple hijab sits on the floor, smiling and talking to a boy with brown hair. Colorful blocks are between them, highlighting social-emotional development as speech bubbles show their engaging conversation.
Social Skills in Early Childhood: New Evidence of LENA Grow’s Effectiveness
New data analysis suggests LENA Grow accelerates social development, a strong sign of kindergarten readiness.
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Blog Posts
A webinar follow-up graphic titled "Understanding Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Education," featuring five speakers' headshots in hexagons and a caregiver supporting a child facing challenging behavior in the background.
Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Education: Webinar Highlights
Challenging behavior is among the most pressing issues facing early childhood educators today.
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Blog Posts
Three illustrated scenes depict responses to challenging behaviors in early childhood education: a woman sits beside a child in bed, a caregiver hugs a worried child, and a woman comforts a sad child. Backgrounds feature colorful abstract shapes on purple.
Understanding Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Education: A Focus on Communication Skills
Discover how to identify and respond to challenging behaviors in early childhood education classrooms and explore how LENA can help!
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Free Webinar: Redesigning Support for New Teachers

What if the key to a stronger early childhood workforce isn’t just better hiring — it’s better beginnings?
New research from LENA, in partnership with Porter-Leath in Tennessee, reveals that the first months of a teacher’s career are pivotal — not just for retention, but for informing quality, confidence, and long-term growth.
Read more here > 

June 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET

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