The Value of Social and Emotional Learning for Everyone

Nationally and internationally, social and emotional learning programs are available.

FREMONT, CA: Teaching children social and emotional learning (SEL) has recently united those on the political left and right with the common goal of helping kids succeed in school and life.

It may sound familiar now that it has become a flashpoint in the struggle over children's education. Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is a process aimed at enhancing young students' well-being and academic achievement in five essential domains: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal skills, and responsible decision-making.

SEL is an educational program that helps kids learn and use social, emotional, and other life skills that help them understand themselves better and enjoy the world more.

SEL has been a part of American education for over a century. According to studies, students who engaged in SEL programs had greater self-awareness, higher academic performance, fewer conduct problems, and less emotional distress.

Early involvement in SEL programs seemed to reduce violence, drug abuse, and incarceration among at-risk youth after they left school. SEL programs are used worldwide, not just in the United States. In many countries, the well-being of children has improved as a result.

Psychologists and other mental health professionals know that SEL greatly affects babies, toddlers, school-aged kids, and teens. About 40 percent of kids start school with social and emotional problems that are linked to early-onset mental health disorders. The CDC says that one in five children will be diagnosed with a mental health problem every year. It is estimated that $247 billion is spent annually to treat and manage mental disorders in children and teens. SEL curricula provide children with meaningful opportunities to learn about emotions, thoughts, actions, and problem-solving, which can help reduce these astonishing statistics. As children comprehend their thoughts, emotions, and actions, the progression of mental illness can be mitigated.

SEL has also made a big difference over the years of the epidemic. It has helped children understand and name their emotions during times of uncertainty, self-regulate in new and stressful situations, and control how they react to things that could be life-threatening.

According to the Collaboration on Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the goal of SEL is for children to be self-aware, caring, responsible, engaged, and lifelong learners who work collaboratively to achieve their goals and build a more inclusive and just world.

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize emotions and thoughts, accurately judge one's strengths and weaknesses, feel gratitude and optimism, practice mindfulness, and improve one's health.

Controlling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in various contexts, including the ability to handle stress, control impulses, set and achieve goals, and learn how to ask for assistance when necessary,

The capacity to recognize and appreciate the perspectives of persons from diverse origins and social, religious, or cultural traditions enhances empathy, compassion, and comprehension of the world in local and global contexts.

The ability to develop meaningful relationships with various types of people, communicate clearly, listen actively, learn to collaborate and cooperate, resist improper peer pressure, negotiate conflict, and manage healthy attachments to others with more confidence.

A capacity to make well-informed decisions based on a realistic assessment of consequences, contribute to the greater good in the world and make decisions that promote well-being, safety, and respect.