Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

What is social and emotional learning?

“Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (Casel, 2020). 

Techniques you can use at home!

Starfish Breathing - 

STEP 1: Have your child spread out fingers on one hand. This is the Starfish hand!

STEP 2: Place the index finger of their other hand onto the base of the thumb of the Starfish hand.

STEP 3: Begin slowly tracing fingers starting with the thumb. As they go up the finger breathe in and as they go down their finger breathe out.

Breathing techniques help redirect the mind and body.  This redirection allows information into the brain.  Learning can then take place.  Without this break, the mind and body can become overwhelmed with emotion, be unavailable to learn, and miss instruction. 

SEL & Mental health - 

All children can benefit from social and emotional learning.  From learning how to make decisions, self regulate, get along with others, build self awareness, to taking responsibility, are skills learned in the SEL program.  However, sometimes thoughts and behaviors are outside the control of the child.  Therefore, these teachings may not be sufficient enough to meet the specific individual needs of a child struggling with mental health conditions.  Seeking help from a professional mental health counselor who creates a specific intervention plan for the child and his/her family may be more appropriate and effective.   

If you would like to learn more about the various resources available within and outside the school community that can support your child’s SEL and/or mental health, please contact Ms. Neri.