SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: WHY & HOW TO USE IT

As educators, we are responsible for so much more than teaching our students just academic content. We are helping our students develop into well-rounded kids who will grow up to be well-rounded adults. In recent years, SEL has grown to be so important for students (and teachers) to focus on. 

WHY USE SEL

Social emotional learning activities are a way to support students in the classroom beyond content. Not only will it help build a classroom environment that feels like a safe space and is encouraging for students, but it will also meet student emotional needs and have positive effects on academic achievement throughout the school year. One way to build a classroom community full of supportive relationships is through discussions. SEL discussion cards are a great way to provide SEL instruction and get conversations started in a meaningful way.

Additionally, Supporting social emotional learning for students creates an opportunity for students to develop social skills and a positive self-awareness. Students won't back down from a challenge (at home or at school) because they have a growth mindset attitude with strong social-emotional skills to back it up. The benefits of SEL can be seen with students of all ages and throughout an entire school community.

These affirmation cards are a great reminder for students that they can do hard things…not to mention they are a freebie!

HOW TO USE SEL

SEL can be taught embedded in core content or as a stand-alone subject. A few classroom ideas to help make SEL part of your school routine…

• Morning meetings – Gathering students together for a morning meeting is a great time to focus on SEL. Morning meetings are a special time that allows for positive social interactions and practicing SEL skills. Using the character education bundle is a perfect tie-in! It has all the things…discussion slides, student journal pages, read aloud list, caught ya slips, and more!

• Goal setting – Goal setting lessons are an integral part of education and Social Emotional Learning! Helping students manage and understand how their emotions tie into achieving goals can help them become successful in their academic development and in the real world.
• Small groups – A small group provides the perfect setting for focusing on SEL. This helps students who are more shy or timid have an opportunity to share and participate in the discussion with less stress. SEL reading passages are perfect for small groups! Including a short passage with a few SEL focused questions can have positive outcomes for quiet students by allowing them to develop a well-grounded sense of confidence!

• Book talks – Another way to analyze and help students understand SEL is with book talks! It is easier for students to discuss a character, determine their emotions and how a situation was handled, and what could be different in smaller groups. Book Talks are such a powerful tool that supports important things like SEL, conflict resolution, and academic success.

SEL is a wonderful tool to equip students with, but taking time to reflect is also important. This (FREEBIE!) is a perfect way to reflect on kindness and making good choices.

I hope you are able to find a way to bring SEL into your classroom that feels natural and encouraging. SEL implementation has become such an important part of school. As a result, finding a variety of ways to focus on it during the school day or during different situations can have a positive impact on your students! 

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