How can early math learning support children’s social-emotional development—and how can social-emotional learning and executive function skills, in turn, strengthen math—especially in spaces outside of school? In this webinar, Jayashree Sonti, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Early Math and Language Initiative (EMLI), and Geetha Ramani, Associate Professor of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology at the University of Maryland, explore why early math learning is foundational for children’s long-term academic success and how emotionally supportive environments help math learning thrive.
Drawing on research and real-world examples, Jayashree and Geetha examine the reciprocal relationship between math and social-emotional learning. They highlight how early math experiences can build children’s confidence, persistence, and self-regulation, while also explaining how strong SEL and executive function skills—such as self-regulation, inhibitory control, multi-step thinking, and collaboration—support deeper and more successful mathematical thinking.
The presenters share concrete examples of how math language and everyday math activities can help children practice sharing ideas, fitting in, and persisting through challenges. Participants will also learn practical strategies families and educators can use to support math and social-emotional learning together, drawing on approaches and lessons from EMLI and related early learning efforts.
This webinar is designed for educators, school leaders, and family engagement professionals interested in culturally responsive, community-centered approaches that integrate early math, social-emotional learning, and executive function—and that move from one-time learning opportunities toward sustained, meaningful support for families.
