What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning helps children develop positive self-esteem, manage their emotions, set and achieve goals, show empathy towards others, and better handle stress.

An alarming percentage (33%) of teenagers between the ages of 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. Providing children with coping strategies through social-emotional learning may help reduce this percentage, especially if teachers introduce SEL in early childhood.

Social and Emotional Learning includes 5 core competencies:

• SELF-AWARENESS: allows students to access a greater understanding of how positive actions lead to an improved self-image

• SELF-MANAGEMENT: as social-emotional skills grow, children and young adults begin to understand the importance of self-management and setting personal goals.

• SOCIAL AWARENESS: social-emotional learning encourages social awareness on both an individual level with personal relationships as well as diverse perspectives.

• RELATIONSHIP SKILLS: Social-emotional learning skills empower children to develop relationships by providing them with strategies to resolve conflicts and teaches that an awareness of the other person's needs is important for building positive relationships.

• RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING: students gain an understanding that making certain decisions can impact them socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. They are also taught how to make positive decisions for positive growth and change.

The chart below explains these 5 core competencies in greater detail. 

Research Outcomes for SEL

The randomized-controlled trials in Chicago and Hawaii found the following outcomes 

REFERENCES: 

Kaiser, E. (2022, February 5). Casel's 5 social emotional learning competencies and Wisdom. Better Kids. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://betterkids.education/blog/wisdom-and-casel-5-sel-competencies