Benefits of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

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Social Emotional Learning (SEL) seems like the new buzz word in education. I have sat through staff meetings focused on it, professional development seminars and I have taken courses on it. But SEL isn’t a new concept, it just existed in the past under different names.

I’m sure you’re saying, when will I find the time to teach another new idea in my classroom. I am already crunched trying to cover my grade level standards!

SEL Can Improve Schoolwork and Academics

Students who feel safe and supported can focus on their academics. When students are in an environment that promotes SEL tend to be more comfortable asking for help. They are more comfortable admitting when they need help without being embarrassed. Students who are worried about being bullied, are not focusing on their academics but instead focusing on not calling attention to themselves or doing anything people might perceive as weak.

Students need to feel like it’s okay to not know something, that it’s okay to make mistakes and ask for help. These students are going to be more successful academically and this will improve test scores and make it easier for you to cover all of the curricula that you are expected to get through.

SEL Can Help Prevent Bullying

A lot of students who bully others, are doing it because they don’t feel great about themselves. When you promote and encourage social-emotional learning in your school, you are creating a community of learners who feel encouraged, accepted. In turn, there will hopefully be fewer situations of bullying in your school and classroom.

SEL promotes problem-solving and acceptance of others, two things that will help prevent bullying in your school.

Provides Students with Mental Health Support

A school that encourages social emotional learning, is a school that has an environment where it is okay to talk about your feelings. As teachers, we can model this behavior by talking about how we are feeling and why we are feeling that way; within reason, don’t tell the students about your bad Bumble date from Friday night ;).

But when students are in an environment where they can talk about how they are feeling, it helps you as a teacher know what’s going on with them. Then, you can more effectively help them through their struggles. Also, talking about how we’re feeling makes us more healthy and self-aware individuals.

SEL Can Improve Attendance

A lot of students who do not feel comfortable in their own skin, do not want to deal with all of the pressures of school. These students are the ones who are often absent or tardy. If you can create an environment where students feel safe and supported, they will enjoy how being at school makes them feel.

Students who enjoy how being at school makes them feel are not often students who are regularly absent.