What is SEL? A Clear Definition and Explanation of Social-Emotional Learning

What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which individuals acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage feelings, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

In simpler terms, SEL teaches and develops crucial life skills that empower individuals to:

• Manage big feelings: Understand and regulate their emotions effectively.
• Form relationships: Build and maintain healthy connections with others.
• Gain self-awareness: Recognize their own feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and stressors.
• Solve problems: Develop effective strategies to navigate challenges.
• Make responsible choices: Consider consequences and make thoughtful decisions.
• Set goals: Establish and work towards positive objectives.

A more definitive SEL definition emphasizes learning skills like open communication, social awareness, and empathy.

Why is SEL Important?

Students, teachers, and even parents often wonder: "What does SEL mean in the classroom?" and "Why is SEL important in schools?" The answer lies in its ability to foster holistic development. SEL provides essential "social tools" that are critical for success not only in school but also in work and life.

Importance of SEL in Education

In education, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical component for students' overall development. It helps them develop key abilities such as:

• Self-management: The ability to control one's own actions, including self-motivation, self-control, and goal-setting.
• Social awareness: Understanding perspectives of others, showing respect, and appreciating diversity.
• Relationship skills: Forming and maintaining healthy relationships through open communication, listening, trust, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Responsible decision-making: Making constructive and well-thought-out choices, considering cause and effect, potential outcomes, and impact on others.

These skills benefit not only students but also educators, as they contribute to a more positive and productive learning environment. Research consistently shows that youngsters participating in SEL programs demonstrate improved academic performance, behavior, and attitudes toward school. These benefits extend long-term, including improved relationships, higher educational attainment, and better mental health outcomes.

Core Competencies and Teaching Methods of SEL

SEL is typically understood through five core competencies, as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL):

• Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize one's own feelings, strengths, weaknesses, and stressors. It involves asking questions like, "Why do I feel this way?" and "What is my purpose?"
• Self-Management: The ability to control one's actions, including self-motivation, exercising self-control, setting goals, and recognizing when to take a break or a deep breath.
• Social Awareness: The ability to understand things from other people's points of view, feel empathy for others, show respect, and appreciate diversity.
• Relationship Skills: The ability to form and maintain meaningful and healthy relationships. Key components include open communication, listening, trust, collaboration, compromise, and problem-solving. Understanding unhealthy relationships is also crucial.
• Responsible Decision-Making: The ability to make constructive and well-thought-out decisions about one's own behavior and social interactions, considering cause and effect, potential outcomes, and impact on others.

Examples of SEL Components

Classroom Strategies for SEL

Incorporating SEL into everyday classroom settings can be done through various methods and activities:

• SEL Read Alouds: Teachers read books that highlight SEL themes, stimulating discussions and promoting empathy.
• SEL Activities: Role-playing scenarios or group projects helps practice interpersonal skills in a supportive environment.
• Social Stories in Education: Narratives that depict social situations help students understand and navigate emotions and interactions. These are particularly effective for all ages, from understanding basic social cues for young children to addressing complex peer interactions for teens.
• Anti-Bullying Programs: Crucial for addressing bullying behavior and promoting a positive school culture.
• Peer Pressure and Decision Making: Providing strategies for dealing with peer pressure and improving decision-making skills empowers kids to make positive choices.
• Daily Living Skills and Transitions: Social stories can help learners manage transitions, unexpected events, and develop daily living skills.
• Relationships and Social Situations: Guidance on healthy relationships and social situations helps students navigate these aspects of life more effectively.

Benefits and Long-Term Impact of SEL

Research consistently demonstrates the profound benefits of SEL:

• Academic Gains: Young people involved in SEL programs often show improved academic performance, including higher grades and better test scores. They are better equipped to focus on studies and engage more fully in learning.
• Emotional Gains: SEL helps develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, leading to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It fosters a supportive classroom environment, promoting a sense of belonging and well-being.
• Long-Term Impact: The benefits extend far beyond the classroom, impacting personal and professional lives. SEL participants are more likely to exhibit positive social behaviors, maintain healthy relationships, and demonstrate higher emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for success in the workplace, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. SEL also contributes to better mental health outcomes and increased resilience.

Social Emotional Learning at Different Grade Levels

SEL adapts to the developmental needs of everyone across various age groups:

• SEL for kids (general focus): Emotional identification, regulation, empathy development, social skills, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
• Preschoolers: Recognition games, puppet play, breathing exercises, friendship activities, and SEL books/songs.
• Elementary students: Charades, Feelings Journals, Empathy Maps, SEL Read Alouds, Mindfulness Activities, Collaborative Projects, Role-Playing Scenarios, and Gratitude Journals.
• Middle school students: Check-ins, Conflict Resolution Role-Plays, Mindfulness Exercises, Service Learning Projects, Peer Mentoring Programs, SEL Journaling, Team-Building Activities, and SEL Workshops.

Why Do Children Need Social and Emotional Learning?

Students need SEL for several critical reasons:

• Academic Performance: Emotionally stable children have fewer behavioral issues and can better focus on academics, performing to the best of their ability.
• General Quality of Life and Well-being: Explicitly taught social and emotional skills help individuals manage life's challenges and stressful situations as adults.
• Future Careers and Workforce Success: The ability to manage problems and conflict is crucial for adults in the workplace. Empathetic, self-aware, and communicative children grow into empathetic, self-aware, and communicative adults.

SEL also equips students to deal with challenging situations they may face, such as bullying, racism, exclusion, teasing, abuse, inappropriate relationships, cyber-bullying, social media behavior, and internet safety. Individuals with SEL integration in their education tend to exhibit improved resilience, stronger interpersonal relationships, and a greater capacity for accountable decision-making.

How is Social and Emotional Learning Explicitly Taught?

SEL is taught through a variety of explicit methods and examples:

• Daily Check-ins: Students discuss their emotions, fostering a supportive environment.
• Structured Activities: Teach conflict resolution and empathy.
• Classroom Instruction: Direct teaching of SEL concepts.
• Role-Playing: "What if" scenarios help with management of different situations and develop empathy.
• Open Circle Discussions: Provide a safe space for students to discuss feelings, experiences, and challenges.
• Projects: Offer practical opportunities to develop self-awareness, empathy, communication, and teamwork.
• Goal-Setting and Growth Mindset Activities: Establish a comfortable learning environment.
• Self-Reflection: Encouraging kids to have open conversations at home and reflect on their learning.
• Emotional Scenarios Examples: Practicing expressing frustration healthily or offering support to a friend.

Examples of Social Emotional Learning Activities:

• Emotion Charades: Act out emotions for others to guess, fostering recognition and expression.
• Gratitude Journals: Encourage practicing gratitude and self-awareness.
• Empathy Role-Playing and Cooperative Projects: Work in groups to create scenarios that emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making.
• Mindfulness Brain Breaks: Incorporate mindfulness exercises to help learn emotional skills, practice self-awareness, and manage emotions effectively.
• SEL Discussion Circles and Conflict Resolution Workshops: Regular discussions and teaching conflict resolution strategies.
• Random Acts of Kindness: Promote kindness and its positive impact on relationships.
• Character Education Through Read Alouds: Introduce values and ethical principles through engaging storytelling.

Using Storyboard That for SEL

Storyboard That provides an excellent platform for students to express themselves and their feelings through illustrations and words, especially when direct communication is challenging. It allows for differentiated assignments and provides privacy for self-reflection.

Example Activities

Pre-Made SEL Resources

Since every single activity can be tailored for different situations and students, teachers can take advantage of pre-made resources to incorporate Storyboard That into their SEL curriculum. Below are several resources we recommend for a variety of different age groups. Many of these resources will help teachers provide scenarios for children to illustrate as a form of practice and reinforcement in social emotional development.

• Social Emotional Learning Activities
• SEL Read Alouds
• Introduction to Social Stories
• Anti-Bullying
• Positive Reinforcement Charts
• Peer Pressure
• Unhealthy Relationships
• Decision Making Skills

Related Activities

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Emotional Learning

What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social and Emotional Learning, or SEL for short, is the teaching and development of the skills needed to manage big feelings, form relationships, gain self-awareness, solve problems, make responsible choices, and set goals. It focuses on open communication, social awareness, and empathy.

Why is SEL important for students?

SEL is important for students because it helps them to develop important life skills, such as managing their emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. These skills are critical for success both in school and in life.

How can teachers incorporate SEL into their curriculum?

Teachers can incorporate SEL into their curriculum by using storyboards as a tool to facilitate discussions and role-playing activities related to SEL. Storyboard That, for example, provides a platform for creating and sharing storyboards that can be used to explore emotions, relationships, decision-making, and more. Teachers can use the storyboard creator to guide students through dialogue exercises, practice conflict resolution strategies, and develop character profiles that promote self-awareness and social awareness. Storyboards are a creative and engaging way to promote social and emotional learning in the classroom.

What is an example of SEL learning?

An example of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a classroom exercise where students engage in a group discussion about a character's emotions and actions in a story. This activity helps them develop skills related to empathy, perspective-taking, and understanding different viewpoints, all of which are key components of SEL. It also encourages students to express their own feelings and thoughts in a safe and supportive environment, promoting emotional awareness and social interaction.

How can SEL be used in the classroom?

There are many ways SEL can be used in the classroom. Here are some examples:

1. Morning Meetings
2. Classroom Norms and Agreements
3. Conflict Resolution
4. Emotion Regulation Activities
5. Collaborative Learning
6. Reflection and Goal-Setting

How do you demonstrate social emotional learning?

As a teacher or facilitator, you can demonstrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through your actions, communication, and teaching methods. Here are ways to model and demonstrate SEL in your role:

1. Cultivate Positive Relationships
2. Self-Awareness
3. Emotion Regulation
4. Responsibility and Decision-Making
5. Teach and Reinforce SEL Concepts
6. Create a Positive Classroom Culture
7. Encourage Empathy
8. Promote Inclusivity