Date of Award
5-2026
Culminating Project Type
Thesis
Styleguide
apa
Degree Name
Child and Family Studies: Family Studies: M.S.
Department
Child and Family Studies
College
School of Education
First Advisor
Frances Kayona
Second Advisor
Deborah Wheeler
Third Advisor
Melisa Brever
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Keywords and Subject Headings
Social Emotional Learning, Visual Analysis
Abstract
This qualitative visual analysis case study examined how color is used in early childhood classrooms to support social–emotional learning (SEL). The study analyzed both district provided and teacher-created or teacher-purchased visual materials to understand how color conveys emotion, reinforces instructional messages, and reflects broader cultural and educational values. Findings indicate that district-provided visuals emphasized standardization, relying primarily on primary and secondary colors, whereas teacher-generated materials exhibited greater variety and personalization through broader palettes and individualized decor choices. Across both sources, color was used for instructional cues, emotional representation, and aesthetic enhancement; however, emotional color coding was inconsistent. For example, colors such as blue, yellow, red, green, orange, and purple were associated with multiple, sometimes conflicting emotions, suggesting potential confusion for young learners developing emotional literacy. Emotional displays also tended to overrepresent negative emotions, with some visuals depicting up to 80% negative affective states. While the spatial placement of visuals was developmentally appropriate, cultural representation was limited, with 99% of imagery reflecting mainstream American culture. These findings highlight the need for clearer emotional color conventions and more culturally representative materials to support inclusive, coherent SEL instruction in early childhood settings.
Recommended Citation
Chapin, Amanda L., "Colors of the Classroom: A Visual Analysis Case Study of the Social Emotional Curriculum in Early Childhood Classrooms" (2026). Culminating Projects in Child and Family Studies. 81.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/cfs_etds/81
