NCT06975267

Social and Emotional Learning in Norwegian Kindergarten

The Effectiveness of the Norwegian Version of Second Step Early Learning vs. Free Play on Socio-Emotional Learning in Kindergarten: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 900 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ostfold University College · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 4 Years – 6 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This project evaluates the effectiveness of the Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning (Småsteg), a program of 28 weeks that emphasizes learning, friendship skills, and managing several strong feelings (e.g., scared, worried, surprised, frustrated, excited), not only anger, on socio-emotional learning (SEL) in kindergartens versus play is a cluster randomized controlled trial. The hypothesis states that Småsteg is superior to play only in improving children's SEL. In the study, 990 children within 66 kindergartens will be recruited and allocated following the randomization at the school level. The primary outcome is based on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which will be answered by parents and teachers at baseline, immediately after the 28 weeks of intervention and then six months after the change to the new school (K1). The secondary outcome is empathy, assessed by the Empathy Questionnaire for Children (EmQue), a parent report-based questionnaire comprising 15 items assessing three domains: emotion contagion, attention to other's feelings, and prosocial actions. Småsteg could impact the joint attention score, which, in turn, affects the SDQ score. A mobile application (app) will be developed to track children's behaviors via teachers, parents, and children's activities. This study contributes to the scientific understanding of how such interventions can impact SEL and future academic achievement in kindergarten-aged children but also brings insights into mechanisms throughout intervention like Småsteg in early childhood might help the development of SEL, shaping early education policies and practices.

Conditions

• Universal Behavioral Supports

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Norwegian version of Second Step Early Learning	The interventions is a 28 weeks program divided into five themes. The themes are 1. Skills that promotes learning, 2. Empathy, 3. Managing emotions, 4. Friendship skills and problem solving, and 5. Transitioning to school. The intervention consists of daily activities. The guidebook is a central part of the program and provides the kindergarten teachers with practical tools and activities to implement the program in everyday settings. The guidebook includes: 28 weekly themes: Each week introduces a new theme with related activities and discussion topics. Brain-building games: Activities designed to strengthen children's cognitive skills and self-regulation. Songs and music: Songs that reinforce the learning of social skills. Parent connections: Information sheets and activities to involve parents in their children's social-emotional development. Puppet theatre: The use of hand puppets Dog and Snail to illustrate and discuss feelings and social situations.
BEHAVIORAL	Free play	Control kindergartens will have additional designated playtime consisting of free play for 28 weeks. The checklist for play conditions is defined as when: Time is set aside in the daily kindergarten routine where (1) it is clearly announced or signaled to the children that it is now "free play", (2) it is an absence of requirements for sedentary sitting (unless it is part of the children's play), (3) it is not a situation where children are required to follow instructions (unless it is part of the children's play or general rules in the kindergarten (?)), (4) it is an absence of a pronounced learning outcome or goal with the activities available for the children (beyond what is defined by the children themselves), (5) the children can start and finish activities themselves, and choose what they want to participate in, and (6) adults can join in the game/initiate, but on the children's terms, and the children can choose to leave this game whenever they want.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2028-06-30
• Completion: 2028-06-30
• First posted: 2025-05-16
• Last updated: 2025-08-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Norway