What is Social Emotional LEarning (SEL)?
What is Social Emotional LEarning (SEL)?
Before learning what SEL is, we need to understand that it is NOT indoctrination nor is it new.
In 1968, at Yale University's Child Study Center, Dr. James Comer ( & his colleagues) began to put their ideas about supporting the whole child into practice in two schools in New Haven, Connecticut. By the 1980s, those two schools noticed a decline in child behaviors (needs to be met) along with academic performance exceeding the national average.
Building on the researched success of this work, the superintendent of New Haven public schools started a district-wide focus on social-emotional learning from 1987-1992. In 1994, researchers, educators, practitioners, and child advocates joined to continue this work and introduce Social Emotional Learning to the broader educational community. This is when the term "Social Emotional Learning" was born.
"Social and emotional learning (SEL) is integral to education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions."
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is not one skill area. It is made up of five core competencies. These skills are required to succeed in multiple areas of life, ranging from achieving academic goals to feeling more confident in social interactions.
Self-awareness is the ability to consider and understand your emotions, thoughts, values, and experiences and how these can influence your actions. This is essential in understanding your strengths and areas for growth.
Self-Management focuses on individuals' ability to regulate and control their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This is essential in managing stress, setting goals, and controlling impulses.
Social Awareness is about improving skills like empathizing with others and taking the perspective of those in different situations. This is essential in your ability to work with others.
Responsible Decision Making is the ability to make positive and constructive choices. This is essential when setting goals, understanding safety concerns, and considering consequences for actions.
Relationship Skills are your ability to make positive connections with others, as well as your ability to take their emotions into account in different situations. This is essential in building relationships with others in both personal and professional environments.
Resources for Supporting SEL in your classroom:
50 Fun SEL Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten
What is social-emotional learning?
Social & Emotional Development: For Our Youngest Learners & Beyond
