What is social-emotional learning? Social and emotional learning is the process that helps children with things like managing emotions and setting goals. It aids them in enriching their interpersonal skills like working in teams and resolving conflicts. Kids who are taught social and emotional skills learn to think differently about their challenges and it builds up their self-esteem. In this article we’ll explore the different social and emotional skills that your students can learn that will help them in their academic and personal lives.
Self-Management
One of the most important skills to be a successful student and adult includes mastering many self-management skills. These skills aren’t something you’re born with, they are leaned skills. These skills are often overlooked in schools despite their importance. Here are a few self-management tools you can use in your classroom:
- Time Management Logs. The log can span the length of a lesson during the day, an entire day, or week. These logs are a place for students to track how they’re using their time.
- Checklists and Rubrics. The act of checking off small tasks releases dopamine, which motivates us to keep going. These dopamine triggers enforce the positive behavior. Break down a large assignment into manageable to-dos and have the students check them off after they complete each task.
- Rating Scales. A rating scale allows students to rate how well they did accomplishing their goals.
- Contracts or Agreements. Contracts could be for older students; however younger children can benefit from this as well. They could make agreements, or a list of rules, such as a list of good behaviors. Make sure that students get involved in the rule setting so it’s more engaging.
- Behavior Report Cards. These reports should have a place for both students and teachers to grade their behavior.
Social Awareness
CASEL defines social awareness as the ability to understand other perspectives and show empathy with others with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Social awareness can help students be more aware of the world outside their immediate bubble, which is important to their long-term success. Here are a few ways you can teach social awareness to your classroom.
“What would you do if…” Exercises. These exercises can make students more empathetic to difference scenarios. Some examples some have used are:
- Your classmate was called an inappropriate name based on their skin color
- A disabled classmate is always chosen last to play a game at recess
- Your friend makes fun of LGBTQ+ people
You can present these scenarios and ask the class to imagine what it would be like in the victim’s shoes, why they think people treat others that way, and how they would handle that situation.
Relationship Skills
Some strategies to teaching students relationship skills include:
- Model positive relationships. Teachers are role models. Modeling empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution sets a positive example.
- Encourage group activities. These activities can help students develop teamwork skills, communication skills, and cooperation.
- Teach conflict resolution. Provide strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully. Teach negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving skills.
- Teach student to be empathetic. Encouraging students to put themselves in others’ shoes can help them build solid relationships with a diverse friend group.
- Teach leadership skills. Encourage leadership skills such as taking initiative, motivating others, and responsibility.
Responsible Decision-Making
- Teach the responsible decision-making matrix. Have students weigh the pros and cons of a decision, as well as the ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms.
- Help students identify their problem. This step involves acknowledging difficult situations or challenges they face.
- Encourage an analysis of the situation from different angles. Encourage them to meditate on how and why a problem arose and their role in it.
- Guide students in their problem-solving skills. Explore options, evaluate the potential consequences, and practice decision-making.
- Encourage students to explore the ethical and moral consequences in their decision.
Teaching students social and emotional strategies is an investment in their academic and personal development. By teaching students self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, students can better manage their emotions and thrive in various areas in their lives. Prioritizing these essential skills will create a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.