ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of well-being, and argues for the development of a culture of well-being in early learning contexts. Evidence of strength in social and emotional well-being is demonstrated by, for example, humour, happiness and satisfaction; trust and confidence; enjoying solitude; and cooperating and working with others. Resilience and learning are clearly connected, with learning and performing well constituting protective factors for resilience, and hence for developing a sense of well-being. The chapter provides examples of how to increase resilience in early years learners in different ways for children aged from birth to four and from four to eight respectively. The Early Years Learning Framework asserts that children who have a strong sense of well-being will both become strong in their social and emotional well-being and take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical well-being. The chapter provides an overview of social and emotional well-being for early years learners within the current policy context of Australia.
