Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a crucial component of education that focuses on developing essential life skills beyond traditional academic subjects. It encompasses a range of skills and competencies that contribute to students’ overall well-being and success in various aspects of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of social-emotional learning and its impact on individuals and those around them.
I’m confident that you have seen an uptick in behaviors since the pandemic and having more ideas in your toolkit will better equip you to help your students navigate their BIG emotions.
Understanding and Supporting SEL
Social-emotional learning ( SEL ) involves the acquisition of skills related to self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills are not only essential for academic achievement but also play a vital role in shaping and building upon your students’ social emotional intelligence.
Honestly, between the pandemic and addiction to screens our learners have much different needs than they did 20 or even 10 years ago. I often stop and have students look their peer in the eyes to share how they are feeling and it amazes me how difficult it is for them to engage with one another in that way.
The Impact of SEL on Academic Success
Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between social-emotional learning and academic achievement. When students are emotionally and socially competent & secure, they are better equipped to handle the challenges of learning, exhibit improved behavior in the classroom, and demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills.
The first thing you can do as their teacher…..it seems silly to even have to say this but I do. BUILD relationships with your students & families. Build that trust, make positive calls home not just negative ones. Leave little notes for your students to find – like I do in some of these posts. Here, Here, & here to name a few.
Calm Down Kit
It is worth it to invest in a few bigger squishy toys for students to manipulate. Here is a AF link for some:
These have such a calming and satisfying trait to them: https://amzn.to/4aTDjX7 https://amzn.to/3HlcNbl https://amzn.to/3tSBjO5
Have you ever used a Calm Down Kit in your classroom? This has saved me numerous times over the years. I’ve found that having this kit available in my classroom has helped students with any anxiety they might be feeling. I’ve included oversized squishy toys, stretch toys, pop its, twisty wooden toys, soft squishy toys, water feature toys that have liquid motion with colors, bubbles etc. All of these items have proved to be successful in various situations that I have had arise over the years.
Obviously, morning meetings and greetings are a great proactive tool to use to build up a strong, safe classroom community. Restorative practice circles and approaches are a great space for individuals and/or the community to gather as a response to wrongdoing or conflict. The impacted individuals discuss what happened, the impact it has on them and the community, and what is needed to make things right. Thankfully, there are many ways to support our students when the time arises…however, I’m still in the classroom and know that often times that’s not enough.
Let’s Get Real…
Instructional aides and teachers are being hit at, kicked at etc and I realize the issues at hand are much bigger than a box of toys to help them decompress. As a psych major I’m very interested in learning more on this topic and all the best ways we can support kids and families in crisis.
Sometimes having a distraction as you are talking through something with a student lends the conversation to being more fruitful. I have found that my Play doh emotion mats have been beneficial in that way. They can be found here.
Another tool that you can add to your toolkit would be my social emotional slider mats. Your student can just move the bead to match their feelings if you can’t get them to talk about them.
I have other SEL class building activities, ideas and resources in my store that you can find here. I’m confident that you will find success incorporating at least one of the ideas. But, we would love to hear from you as well! Share your successful ideas in the comments so we can learn from each other.
