Within the educational landscape, fostering the holistic development of children goes beyond traditional academic pursuits. Over the years, the recognition of social and emotional learning (SEL) as a cornerstone in shaping well-rounded individuals has gained significant prominence. In this article, we delve into the importance of social emotional learning activities and explore how these purposeful engagements contribute not only to a child's academic success but also to the cultivation of crucial life skills.
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and emotional learning refers to the process of acquiring and applying the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary 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 a comprehensive approach to education that recognises the importance of developing a student's social and emotional competencies alongside academic skills.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), a leading organisation in the field, identifies five core competencies within SEL.
- Self-awareness: understanding one's emotions, thoughts, and values, and how they influence behaviour.
- Self-management: regulating emotions, setting and achieving goals, and maintaining self-control.
- Social awareness: understanding and empathising with others, recognising social cues, and appreciating diversity.
- Relationship skills: building and maintaining positive relationships, communicating effectively, and working collaboratively.
- Responsible decision-making: making ethical and constructive choices while considering the wellbeing of oneself and others.
SEL is relevant for people of all ages; however, it’s advisable to acquire these skills from a young age. Highly regarded schools often integrate SEL into their curriculum to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that fosters emotional intelligence and social competence.
Why Focus on Social and Emotional Development?
Educational publications, such as Edutopia, recommend that parents focus on the social and emotional development of their children, as it plays a crucial role in their overall wellbeing and success in various aspects of life. Some of the ways in which social and emotional development benefits children include the following.
- Healthy relationships: social and emotional skills enable children to build and maintain positive relationships. This is important for their personal and professional life as they grow older. The ability to empathise, communicate effectively, and work well with others contributes to fulfilling relationships.
- Academic success: social and emotional development is linked to academic achievement. Children with strong social and emotional skills are better equipped to handle the challenges of school, such as collaborating with peers, managing stress, and staying focused on learning tasks.
- Emotional resilience: developing emotional intelligence helps children navigate the ups and downs of life more effectively. They learn to understand and regulate their emotions, cope with stress, and bounce back from setbacks. This resilience is a valuable asset in facing life's challenges.
- Conflict resolution: social and emotional skills empower children to resolve conflicts peacefully and constructively. This ability is essential for handling disagreements and challenges in various settings, from school to friendships and, eventually, in the workplace.
- Self-esteem and confidence: a positive social and emotional foundation contributes to higher self-esteem and confidence. Children who feel secure in their abilities and relationships are more likely to take on new challenges and approach life with a positive attitude.
- Life skills: the skills acquired through social and emotional development are life skills that extend beyond the classroom. They are crucial for success in the workplace, community engagement, and overall personal growth.
- Prevention of behavioural issues: developing social and emotional skills early on can contribute to the prevention of behavioural issues. Children who are adept at managing their emotions and understanding others are less likely to engage in disruptive or harmful behaviours.
- Long-term wellbeing: social and emotional wellbeing is a key component of overall mental health. Investing in these skills from a young age sets the stage for long-term psychological wellbeing and contributes to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Fun and Effective Social Emotional Learning Activities
Parents can help their children with SEL at home by incorporating a few fun activities into their weekly schedule. These activities provide opportunities for self-expression, empathy, communication, and reflection, contributing to a holistic approach to Social Emotional Learning.
Emotion Charades
The objective of this activity is to enhance emotional awareness and expression.
This is how it works:
- Write different emotions on small pieces of paper and place them in a hat or bowl.
- Take turns picking an emotion and acting it out through charades (without speaking).
- After guessing the emotion, discuss times when each family member felt that way. Share stories and offer support or encouragement.
- Create a ‘feelings chart’ together where everyone can draw or write about a time they felt a specific emotion.
This activity not only helps children identify and express emotions but also fosters family bonding through shared storytelling. The ‘feelings chart’ serves as a visual reminder of the diverse emotions experienced within the family and encourages open communication.
Emotion Collage
The objective of this activity is to recognise and explore a range of emotions within the family context.
This is how it works:
- Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and large sheets of paper.
- Ask each family member to cut out images or words that represent different emotions and create a collage on their own sheet.
- After completing the collages, gather together to share and discuss the emotions chosen. Ask questions like, ‘When do you feel happy as a family?’ or ‘What makes you feel calm at home?’
This activity encourages children to connect emotions with their family experiences. Sharing the collages provides an opportunity for parents and children to understand each other's emotional perspectives and strengthens family bonds.
I Like, I Wish, I Wonder
The objective of this activity is to enhance communication and build positive relationships within the family.
How it works:
- Designate a wall or a large poster board as the ‘family wall’.
- Each family member takes turns adding sticky notes or drawings with ‘I like…’ (positive aspects), ‘I wish…’ (hopes for the family), and ‘I wonder…’ (curiosities or questions).
- Regularly revisit the wall and discuss the notes as a family, celebrating successes and addressing wishes and wonders together.
This activity promotes open communication and creates a shared space for expressing feelings and thoughts. It encourages a positive focus on what family members appreciate about each other and fosters a sense of belonging within the family unit.
What to Look for in an SEL Curriculum
When choosing an SEL curriculum, parents should prioritise certain key aspects. An effective SEL programme goes beyond traditional education, aiming to instil in children an understanding and appreciation of diversity while nurturing the development of their character for enhanced self-awareness.
Look for a curriculum that is designed to guide students in exploring positive methods to navigate and understand their emotions, fostering respectful interactions with others. There should be a focus on recognising and supporting each child for who they are, as this creates a foundation of psychological safety within the learning environment. Therefore, parents should seek an SEL curriculum that seamlessly integrates these principles for a holistic and impactful approach to their child's social and emotional growth.
