H-U-G-S: A Simple Framework for Social-Emotional Learning During Daily Routines

Sarah J. Sexton, Frances A Davis
JAASEP 21(3) (2026) 18-27

The H-U-G-S Interaction Style is a responsive communication framework designed to strengthen young children’s social-emotional learning through predictable, attuned adult-child interactions embedded in everyday routines. Grounded in Sociocultural Theory, H-U-G-S operationalizes the assertion that social-emotional competencies emerge through guided participation in everyday activities and the child’s active engagement in culturally grounded relationships. H-U-G-S advances an equity-centered approach that affirms diverse communication styles and reduces barriers to participation. In early intervention and early childhood special education, the framework offers teams a practical way to translate individualized IFSP and IEP priorities related to communication, regulation, participation, and social-emotional development into consistent interactions across everyday routines and settings.
Keywords: social-emotional learning, routines, caregiver responsiveness, framework, cultural responsiveness.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.665