Why Play-Based Social-Emotional Learning Matters Before Academics (and How Just Right! Jr. Helps)

Kim Wiggins
Sep 7
2 min read

Recently, I came across a reel that stopped me in my tracks. The message was simple, yet powerful:

👉 Before the age of 6, children need play-based social-emotional learning before we dive into academics.

And she’s absolutely right. (Link to the Instagram reel is at the end.)

Why This Matters

Social-emotional needs ARE EVERYWHERE! Kids today need the language to talk about their feelings, to advocate for themselves, and to understand what’s happening in their bodies.

Regulation, connection, and sensory play are the foundation for learning. Without them, academic concepts simply don’t stick. Think about it: if a child feels out of control, overstimulated, or shut down, they can’t focus on counting, letters, or reading. They need tools for self-regulation first.

That’s Exactly Why I Created Just Right! Jr.

This new curriculum was built for preschoolers (ages 3–5) and for older learners who need concrete support with self-regulation. It’s everything I wish existed years ago when I was working with my youngest learners:

13 Playful Lessons: fun, structured sessions that introduce “body speed” (FAST, SLOW, or JUST RIGHT) in ways kids can actually understand.
Catchy Songs + Videos: 13 original songs with lyrics and animations on YouTube that bring lessons to life (and keep kids singing them all week long!).
Hands-On Activities: crafts, movement games, and fine motor tasks that make learning stick.
Google Slides + Teaching Scripts: visuals, stories, and simple “say this” scripts so anyone can teach with confidence.
Support for the Whole Team: tips for OTs, PTs, SLPs, SEL professionals, and teachers to embed the program seamlessly.
Easy Access Anywhere: all songs, slides, and handouts live on a password-protected site so you can use them from any device.

Why It Works

When kids learn the language of self-regulation, they gain the tools to calm their bodies, express their feelings, and get ready to learn. Academics will come…but first, kids need to understand themselves.

That’s what Just Right! Jr. is all about:

✨ A playful path to self-regulation

✨ Developmentally appropriate lessons designed for young learners

✨ A bridge between sensory skills and social-emotional learning