Joanne Lo

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In my work with children, I’ve often noticed that it’s not only what we teach, but how we teach that makes the difference.

Understanding how children learn is deeply connected to psychology, philosophy, and sociology. One area I often return to with families is supporting children in learning how to move through feelings like frustration, anger, and sadness.

When these emotions are given space and guidance, children are better able to stay with the learning process.

We’ve all had moments where something feels difficult and we feel like stopping. Children experience this too. When they want to give up, it can simply be a sign that they need support and gentle tools to continue.

Social and emotional learning isn’t something extra—it naturally sits alongside learning.

So when we’re working with children, we might consider another approach: guiding them through their emotions, and supporting them with care as they learn.

Let’s break this down.

When we avoid emotions—by suppressing, distracting, or deflecting—we don’t remove them. We delay them. And often, they return heavier.

Instead, I’d like to invite you to meet emotions with friendly curiosity. Notice what you feel without judgment or the need to fix it immediately. Pay attention to how it shows up in your body. And remember: not everything is in your control, especially what never truly was.

Feel it. Notice it. Allow it. Let it move through.

When we reflect inward, we become more emotionally attuned parents and educators—and meaningful change follows.

As toddlers begin to explore the world of numbers and letters, they are simultaneously laying the groundwork for their emotional experiences. At this crucial stage, many children are introduced to early maths, reading, and writing. However, if they lack the tools to manage feelings of frustration or disappointment when faced with challenges, their engagement with learning can quickly diminish. It’s essential to recognise that this phase is not just about academic readiness; it’s about preparing them emotionally for the hurdles they will inevitably encounter. By fostering an environment where children can understand and express their emotions, we lay the foundation for them to approach learning as an exciting adventure rather than a source of stress.

Supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) in children is not merely an added benefit—it is central to their overall development and success in education. Research shows that children who receive instruction in emotional regulation and social skills are more likely to become resilient learners. They develop not just academically, but also emotionally, enabling them to face challenges with confidence. Practical strategies for supporting SEL include encouraging discussions about emotions, celebrating small achievements, and nurturing strong relationships with caregivers and educators. By prioritising emotional development alongside cognitive growth, we set children on a path toward lifelong learning and success. Ready to learn more? We are accepting training, workshops and collaborations for summer term. Email: [email protected] and please put SEL training in the subject so your request is not missed. Thank you.

As a former head teacher, educator, and now a parent of two young children, I have experienced numerous transformations throughout my journey. Each role brings its own set of challenges and responsibilities, often adding more layers to my experiences.

In various contexts, I’ve learned that things don’t always go according to plan, and setbacks are a natural part of life. It’s easy to become discouraged when we place too much importance on results. When we focus solely on achieving specific outcomes, we risk losing sight of the journey itself.

When we shift our focus to the process—the steps we take, the lessons we learn, and the growth we experience—we begin to embrace a more enriching perspective. This means recognising that progress isn’t always linear and that each turn brings valuable insights, even if it feels challenging in the moment.

During overwhelming times, it’s essential to pause and notice how our bodies respond. Are we experiencing headaches? Do we notice tension in our stomachs? These physical manifestations of stress are cues that remind us to check in with ourselves. Acknowledging our feelings and responses is crucial, not just for ourselves but for everyone involved in our lives.

Here’s a gentle reminder: setbacks are an inevitable part of life. It’s not the setbacks themselves that define us, but rather how we choose to respond to them. By embracing the process and cultivating resilience, we can navigate these challenges with compassion and understanding.

As we move forward in our journeys—whether as educators, leaders, or parents—let’s remember to honour our growth and the transformations we undergo. By focusing on the process, we not only foster our own development but also set an example for those around us, encouraging them to embrace their journeys with compassion and resilience.

🌍✨ Imagine a place where everyone feels welcome—no matter their culture, background, or circumstances. A warm environment that nurtures relationships, fosters deeper connections, and uplifts everyone around us.

As leaders, educators, parents, and caregivers, we have the unique opportunity to create this supportive space. We have a limited amount of mental, emotional, and physical energy to share, so let’s choose to focus on three positive habits that can make a difference.

Reflect on your best childhood memories. What moments touched you deeply? Let’s channel that same care and compassion as we move forward. When we understand our motivations, our actions naturally align with our goals.

✨ Research shows that self-reflection enhances our ability to create meaningful connections and positive experiences for all. Let’s build a community where everyone thrives! ❤️

A big thank you to for inviting me to be part of the wonderful IOE Employers Challenge! This platform allows university students to engage in real-world problem-solving, showcasing their critical thinking and creativity while tackling important issues in education and training.

In this latest edition, 81 students formed 19 teams to address various challenges, including bringing social-emotional learning (SEL) to scale, ensuring meaningful youth involvement in policymaking, launching the first Duke of Edinburgh programme in Georgia, and raising awareness of prison education’s impact.

I loved connecting with the teams, and they did an amazing job! Navigating real-life issues is tough, but each team understood the brief, identified key problems, and created effective solutions. Their dedication in just two weeks to prepare reports and presentations made me incredibly proud. Their work highlights the potential of the next generation. Special shoutout to Team Azure, Team Indigo, and Team Silver for their impressive efforts! 🌟

I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful journey I’ve been on—from starting kids’ camps in January 2025 to joining an advisory board and leading parent workshops. Whether through structured sessions or relaxed coffee chats, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with so many parents, teachers, and children.

When I turned 40, I realised I wanted to make a change. I’m truly grateful I took the leap into educational consultancy, moving from working within schools to collaborating alongside them. This change has allowed my work to feel more relatable and connected.

I know it can be tough to notice the good when there’s so much negativity in the world. It’s also hard to feel lighter when we’re surrounded by heaviness.

But it’s important to recognise that we don’t have to feel lighter or happier all the time. It’s okay to just sit with our feelings, moment by moment, and not pressure ourselves to change them. Embracing uncertainty can bring some comfort, and focusing on our mind-body connection can really help.

Let’s invest in ourselves and celebrate who we are. When we do that, we can offer so much more to our children, partners, and students. Everything you wish to share with them is already within reach. 🫶From Mine to Yours

How does this quote resonate with you? Personally, I began to list moments at home—like the yelling and screaming when I’m rushed or tired. I noticed how I directed my energy towards blame, both for the past and the future. Yet, through my training, I’ve learned that the key isn’t to dwell on guilt, but to notice and acknowledge these feelings. In moments of calm, we can decide to make positive changes. It is easy to overlook the profound impact our home environment has on our children’s development. Dr. Gabor Maté’s insightful quote, “A toxic home breaks the child before the world does,” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing and supportive surroundings. As an educator focused on action-based progress, I believe that while we may sometimes fall short in our patience and responses, it’s essential to acknowledge our experiences without guilt. Reflective practices can help us navigate these feelings and foster a healthier emotional landscape for both ourselves and our children. Let’s explore what this means and how we can create positive change in our homes, encouraging growth and resilience through mindfulness-based social-emotional learning.