Level 1: Children recognize basic emotions in themselves and others, linking them to events that caused them. They begin understanding emotional signals, such as associating a smile with happiness.
Level 2: Children develop initial strategies for managing emotions, such as taking deep breaths or stepping away to calm down. They start noticing how their emotional reactions affect others, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Level 3: Children express emotions respectfully and use more complex regulation techniques, like changing perspectives to reframe situations. They exhibit empathy, understanding emotions’ roles in relationships, and apply these insights to enhance social interactions.