Family-centered early emotional development

SuperKids SHINE

Children's feelings matter.

For children ages 3–6, SHINE brings emotional learning into the moments children already live every day: arriving, separating, waiting, joining a game, making a mistake, getting upset and trying again.

Explore the framework Contact Feruza
Feruza sharing a story and finger puppets with a group of young children
SuperKids Academy Where Every Child Shines
Portrait of Feruza Sultangalina
Feruza SultangalinaEarly childhood educator • Pre-K lead teacher • SEIT • Founder, SuperKids
Why I built SHINE

The questions I kept asking as a teacher

I founded SuperKids in 2020. What began as a small idea grew into a team and a learning community that has served more than 300 children. Today, in Brooklyn, I work with children in a classroom and one to one as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher.

1What is this child trying to tell me?
2How can I help without taking over?
3How can home and school use language that feels familiar?
The framework at a glance

Five ways children learn to SHINE

The areas overlap. A child may need support in more than one area during the same moment, and participation may happen through words, pictures, gestures, movement, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or a home language.

S

Self-Awareness

I notice what I feel and what my body is telling me.

H

Healthy Regulation

I use support and find a way to settle.

I

Interaction and Empathy

I connect, listen and notice other people.

N

Navigating Challenges

I work through waiting, changes and conflict.

E

Emotional Resilience and Belonging

I try again, reconnect and know I belong.

A practice for the adult

Notice. Name. Navigate. Repair.

This is not a script to follow perfectly. It is a reminder to slow down and respond with intention.

1

Notice

Pause. Watch the child's face, body, voice and actions. Do not require eye contact.

2

Name

Offer a feeling word gently. “You might be worried. Is that how it feels?” Accept another answer.

3

Navigate

Offer one safe next step. “Would you like me beside you or a little space?”

4

Repair

After the hard moment, reconnect. If someone was hurt, help children check in and make things safer.

Words to try: “You can stay beside me while you look around.”   “You wanted the truck. I won't let you hit.”   “You can show me. I'll wait.”
Feelings in real life

Before we teach, we observe.

These photographs are not labels or diagnoses. They are invitations to slow down and ask what each child may be communicating.

A young child staying close to a trusted adult during a group activity
Closeness can be a form of regulation.
Children reacting to finger puppets during an activity
Play gives children a safe way to show ideas.
Young children celebrating together
Joy and belonging are part of emotional learning.
Story as practice

Meet Mr. Kai. He feels shy, too.

The first book in Mr. Kai's Big Feelings turns an emotional moment into a conversation children and adults can share. Publication is currently in progress.

Cover of the forthcoming children's book Mr. Kai Feels Shy by Ms. Feruza
Illustrated book spread showing Kai telling his mom that he feels shy
NOTICEWhat do you notice about Kai?
NAMEHow might he be feeling?
NAVIGATEWhat could help him take one small step?
Bring SHINE to your program

Interested in a classroom pilot?

Leadership consultation and implementation plan
Educator training and a 12-week sequence
Classroom scripts, routines and family materials
Observation rubric and fidelity checklist
Implementation log and scheduled check-ins
Final debrief and pilot-report structure

SHINE is an educational framework under development. It is not a diagnostic or clinical assessment. Photographs are used with permission.