Social Emotional Learning: How to Help Your Child Succeed in Life

Table of Contents 

Introduction
What is Social Emotional Learning?
Why is SEL important in early childhood?
The Social Emotional Learning Curriculum
Nurturing Emotional Intelligence in Kids
Impact on Academic Growth and Career
The Leaders of Tomorrow
Ten Benefits of Social Emotional Learning
Conclusion

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Introduction 

“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.” This famous quote from the Oscar-winning movie Forrest Gump is more than just a line of dialogue. It’s an undeniable truth that we all realise as we grow up and face different situations, both positive and negative. Social-emotional learning (SEL) for children has become a critical part of early childhood education because it equips children with the social and emotional skills they need to deal with whatever life throws their way. The importance of social emotional learning in schools cannot be understated. 

What is Social Emotional Learning? 

Early childhood is perhaps the most formative period in a child’s life. During this early childhood period (age),” children are like sponges, ready to absorb every piece of information and knowledge they encounter. It’s a period of rapid brain development that makes children very sensitive to the environment they grow up in. They absorb more than just knowledge; they pick up behaviours, attitudes, and social skills. Social-emotional learning for kids is a new facet of learning that equips children with the right social and emotional skills and strengthens their growth. Traditionally, early childhood education focused more on children’s cognitive and academic development. SEL is a new dimension in early childhood education, specifically designed to nurture these crucial social and emotional skills.

Importance of Social Emotional Learning in early childhood

You can’t build a strong building without a strong foundation. Early childhood period (age) is that foundation that helps your children develop into well-rounded, successful individuals. Good quality early education is also the foundation of a progressive society. The skills children learn now become a part of their personality that they carry into adulthood. These are the building blocks of their outlook on life and the people around them. Social-emotional learning for primary schools imparts essential life skills like empathy, kindness, and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for children’s ability to navigate our complex world.

Factors Affecting the Social Development of Children

Several factors can affect the social development of children, including:

• Temperament: Some children are naturally more outgoing and social than others.
• Family environment: The quality of a child’s relationships with their parents and caregivers can significantly impact their social development.
• Peer interactions: The way children interact with their peers can also influence their social development. Positive peer relationships can help children learn important social skills, while negative peer relationships can hinder their development.
• Social-emotional learning experiences: Social emotional learning programmes can provide children with the skills and knowledge they need to develop healthy social relationships.

Social Development in Late Childhood

During social development in late childhood (ages 6-11), children become increasingly aware of social norms and expectations. They also begin to develop more complex friendships and social groups. Social and emotional learning in schools can play a vital role in supporting children’s social development during this time.

The Social Emotional Learning Curriculum 

SEL takes a multifaceted approach and comprises a range of proof-based practices and activities that are well-integrated into the curriculum. It includes creating opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and collaboration, establishing a support system where children feel emotionally safe and secure, and explicitly teaching social-emotional learning activities. Social-emotional learning for teachers often involves training to implement these activities. At Universal Wisdom School, Balewadi, a counsellor conducts weekly sessions with students. The counsellor guides the students to be aware of their thoughts, emotions, reactions, values, and beliefs. These sessions empower the children to use this knowledge to embrace diverse perspectives, manage strong emotions, and practice compassion towards themselves and others. By integrating SEL practices into daily routines, the teachers ensure that these skills become deeply ingrained in the children’s mindsets.

There are numerous resources available to help educators and parents implement social-emotional learning activities for children. School programs can be designed to incorporate social and emotional learning for primary schools or throughout all grade levels. Curricula often include books on social emotional learning that can be used in the classroom or at home to introduce and reinforce SEL concepts.

Social Emotional Learning Training for teachers is also available to equip them with the skills and knowledge to effectively deliver SEL instruction. These trainings can cover a variety of topics, such as creating a positive classroom climate, facilitating social emotional learning activities for teachers, and teaching children how to identify and manage their emotions.

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence in Kids

The bedrock of SEL is emotional resilience and growth. SEL provides strategies and examples to help children recognise what they are feeling. By being aware, children can manage and regulate their emotions better. The next step empowers students to cope with adversity better and builds healthy coping techniques. Creating a supportive and positive learning environment makes the children feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas and cultivate a positive outlook in difficult situations and towards people. Socially and emotionally aware students are less likely to engage in harmful reactions and have better conflict-resolution skills. They have a higher emotional intelligence and are better communicators. They build good interpersonal relationships with their peers and their elders. SEL not only benefits the overall mental health of children but also transforms them into emotionally resilient adults. Please have a look at the video to see how Universal Wisdom School, Balewadi approaches SEL.  

Impact on Academic Growth and Career 

Social Emotional Learning has a positive impact on academic performance. It builds perseverance to take on challenges, constructive problem-solving attitudes, and a higher motivation to learn. All these traits enable children to improve their academic grades. They realise the importance of discipline and concentrate better in the classroom.

The impact of SEL skills extends beyond academic success in the classroom and into career success. Soft skills like teamwork, emotional intelligence, and communication are much sought after by employers. Students who have been through SEL programmes during their schooling have a distinct edge over the others. They are better at managing relationships, interactions, and conflicts, which paves the way for growth in their professional roles. 

The Leaders of Tomorrow 

Social Emotional Learning fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity. Students become active listeners and more open to diverse cultures and opinions. As adults, they are less likely to be violent, discriminatory and aggressive and more likely to be empathetic, kind and socially conscious. The tendency is to resolve conflicts peacefully and be responsible citizens of tomorrow. They positively influence society and emerge as natural leaders who will build a more compassionate and equitable world for all.      

Ten Benefits of Social Emotional Learning for Kids 

1. Conflict-resolution skills 
2. Better interpersonal skills 
3. Higher emotional intelligence 
4. Resilience 
5. Empathy 
6. Improved Academic Performance 
7. Leadership Qualities 
8. Holistic Growth 
9. Active Listening 
10. Open-mindedness 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the ability to bounce back from the setbacks and challenges in life will determine how far your child will go in life. Social Emotional Learning is that crucial building block that will equip your child with the emotional intelligence, resilience and maturity to succeed. It creates a positive mindset in young learners that helps them excel in academics and professional roles in life. SEL helps them succeed in school, build strong relationships, and become responsible citizens. If you are looking for books on social emotional learning or information on social emotional learning training, there are many resources available to help you get started. Universal Wisdom School, Balewadi, one of the best international schools in Pune, integrates SEL  into its curriculum seamlessly. Social Emotional Learning is the need of the hour to make this world a kinder place.