Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social emotional learning (SEL) empowers educators to address students’ wholistic well-being, leading them to a deeper understanding of self, others, and community, as well as more successful relationships and decision-making skills.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social emotional learning (SEL) is an educational methodology that helps students of all ages understand their emotions deeply, cope with them in a healthy way, and practice empathy. With these essential learned skills, students will be better qualified to make positive and responsible decisions that can help them succeed with academic, professional, and personal goals.
The 5 Core Competencies of SEL
SEL education helps students of all ages acquire and apply skills that curate healthy self-identities, manage their emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, and express empathy for others. Social emotional learning encompasses five core competencies that stretch across school, home, and community.
Self-Awareness
Students learn to recognize their own emotions and how they impact behavior. They discover their strengths and weaknesses, gaining confidence in their abilities.
Social Awareness
Students learn how to empathize with people from different backgrounds and cultures. They learn about ethics in the community, school, and home.
Self-Management
Students learn to hold themselves accountable for their thoughts, emotions, and actions. They learn how to set and work toward specific goals.
Relationship Skills
Students learn how to listen and communicate with others, discovering tactics for peaceful resolutions in conflict. They learn how to build and maintain healthy relationships, as well as when to ask for or offer help.
Making Responsible Decisions
Students learn to think critically about decision-making based on ethics, safety, and the well-being of those around them.
Why is Social Emotional Curriculum important?
SEL is a fundamental part of healthy development and growth, playing a critical role in the education system to help children develop their academic, social, and emotional skills. With these learned behaviors, students become better prepared to make emotionally intelligent decisions in the face of challenging circumstances, such as the sudden transition to online learning. They also become better equipped to cultivate healthy relationships in all aspects of their lives.
SEL Education Has Some Major Benefits
Social emotional health affects the lives of both children and adults. Social emotional learning is an ongoing process, and everyone can continue these practices to produce a deeper understanding of experiences, create deeply meaningful relationships, and foster safe environments for others.
Short-Term Benefits of SEL
- Improved test scores, grades, and attendance
- Self-empathy and the ability to understand and manage themselves more effectively
- Understanding diverse perspectives and drawing connections between experiences
- Making positive choices in personal, professional, and social circumstances
- Developing positive relationships with others
- Displaying positive social behaviors
- Experiencing decreased emotional stress
Ongoing, Long-Term Benefits of SEL
- Increased likelihood of high school graduation
- Readiness for ongoing education and career success
- More positive familial and workplace relationships
- Better mental health and stronger abilities to handle stress
- Reduced criminal behavior
- More engaged and empowered citizens
SEL Curriculum Trends in Education
Social emotional learning curriculum can be incorporated through policy changes and classroom practices. Teachers can deliver targeted lessons throughout elementary, middle, and high school curriculums and create opportunities throughout the school day to reinforce these skills.
Social emotional curriculum can also be woven into existing core classes, such as English, math, and social studies. Educators can place traditional academic courses into social and emotional frames of reference. These lessons can be accomplished even in a virtual classroom setting and across a variety of education delivery models.
Stride’s Rapid Credit Recovery courses also incorporate SEL in the curriculum and help foster a mindset of resilience, perseverance, and self-management in students.
Social emotional learning also goes beyond the classroom. Teachers can foster and nurture these skills throughout student interactions.
Learn More About SEL Education
Students who expand their learning beyond academics can successfully develop vital skills that can help them succeed academically, professionally, and personally. To learn more about how Stride Learning Solutions can help, contact us online or call 844.638.3533.
