Social Emotional learning (SEL) is a critical part of a child's education that has gained increasing attention in recent years. SEL is the process through which children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Today, we will explore what Social Emotional Learning is and why it matters. 

What is Social Emotional Learning?

Social Emotional Learning, also called SEL, is the process through which children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is not a new concept. It has been a part of human development since the beginning of time. However, it has become increasingly important in our fast-paced, technology-driven world, where many children are struggling with mental health issues, social isolation, and academic pressure. 

SEL is not just a program or a curriculum. It is a philosophy and a way of teaching that is woven into every aspect of a child's education. SEL is not about teaching children what to think, but how to think. It is about teaching them the skills they need to be successful in life. SEL programs and curriculums should be incorporated throughout a child’s development to help them grow into a happy, successful adult.

5 Core Competencies of Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning has 5 core competencies that children and adolescents can develop over time: 

1. Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize one's emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they influence behavior. 

2. Self-Management: The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. 

3. Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

4. Relationship Skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. 

5. Responsible Decision-Making: The ability to make constructive and ethical choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of social norms, safety concerns, and ethical standards. 

Each of these competencies is critical to a child's success in school and life. For example, self-awareness helps children understand their own feelings, strengths, and weaknesses, which can help them develop a positive self-image and confidence. Self-management helps children learn how to manage their emotions effectively, which can help them regulate their behavior and achieve their goals.

Social awareness helps children develop empathy and understand the perspectives of others, which can help them develop positive relationships with others. Relationship skills help children learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with others, which are essential skills for success in school and work. Responsible decision-making helps children learn how to make ethical and constructive choices, which can help them stay safe and succeed in life.  

Why does social emotional learning matter? 

SEL has long-term benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. Research suggests that children who receive SEL instruction are more likely to have positive relationships with peers and adults, less likely to engage in risky behaviors, and more likely to have positive mental health outcomes. These skills also translate into the workplace, where employees with higher emotional intelligence are more likely to be successful and productive.

There are 5 key development areas affected by Social Emotional Learning:

1. Improved Academic Performance

Research has shown that students who receive SEL instruction perform better academically than those who do not. This is because social and emotional skills help children develop better self-regulation, decision-making, and interpersonal skills, which can help them focus on their studies and achieve better grades. 

2. Increased Resilience

Social Emotional Learning helps children develop resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from adversity. Resilience is a critical skill for success in life because it helps children overcome challenges, cope with stress, and persevere in the face of obstacles.

 3. Improved Mental Health

Social Emotional Learning can help prevent mental health issues in children by teaching them how to manage their emotions effectively, develop positive relationships with others, and cope with stress. Studies have shown that children who receive social-emotional learning instruction are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. 

4. Enhanced Social Skills

Social Emotional Learning helps children develop the social skills they need to succeed in life. These skills include effective communication, active listening, conflict resolution, teamwork, and leadership. By learning these skills, children are better prepared to navigate social situations and build positive relationships with others. 

5. Improved Behavior

Social Emotional Learning can help reduce negative behaviors in children, such as aggression, bullying, and substance abuse. By teaching children how to manage their emotions effectively, make responsible decisions, and develop positive relationships with others, we can help them develop the skills they need to make positive choices and avoid negative behaviors. 

Learning SEL skills as a child is crucial because it sets the foundation for social and emotional development throughout life. Children who learn these skills are better equipped to handle stress, manage their emotions, and navigate social interactions. They are also more likely to be successful academically and professionally. Moreover, SEL skills are more easily learned during childhood, when the brain is still developing and more adaptable to change. 

Individuals who do not receive SEL instruction during childhood may struggle with emotional regulation, have difficulty maintaining positive relationships, and engage in risky behaviors. These individuals may also struggle academically and professionally, as they may lack the social and emotional skills necessary for success in these domains. Social-emotional learning is a critical component of social and emotional development, with benefits that extend beyond the classroom and into adulthood. Children who receive SEL instruction are better equipped to handle stress, manage their emotions, and navigate social interactions, which sets the foundation for success both academically and professionally. Therefore, it is important for educators and parents to prioritize SEL instruction to ensure that children are equipped with the social and emotional skills necessary for success. 

Social Emotional Learning is a critical part of a child's education. By teaching social and emotional skills, we can help young people develop the resilience, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills they need to succeed in school and life. SEL is not a one-time event or a quick fix, but rather a lifelong journey that requires ongoing effort and commitment from parents, educators, and caregivers. By prioritizing SEL in our homes and schools, we can help children develop into happy, healthy, and successful adults.

Contact us today for more information about booking an outdoor adventure program focused on Social Emotional Learning for your students.