Social and Emotional Learning, or SEL, is a way of learning that helps children and students understand their feelings and emotions. It also helps them learn how to express these feelings in a good and respectful way. SEL teaches how to recognize different feelings like happiness, sadness, anger, or fear.
When students learn about their feelings, they become better at managing their emotions. This means they can stay calm when they are upset, or feel happy without being too loud. SEL also teaches students to understand how others feel, which helps them to be kind and caring.
https://brightarena.org/best-ways-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-in-children/
There are five main parts of SEL:
Self-management:
Controlling your feelings and behavior in different situations.
Self-awareness:
knowing what you feel and why you feel that way.
Social awareness:
Understanding how other people feel and showing kindness.
Relationship skills:
Making good friends and solving problems peacefully.
Responsible decision-making:
Choosing to do what is right and safe.
https://gat-test.blogspot.com/2023/06/gat-general-test-sample-3-questions.html
Strategies to Try:
· Model It: Use specific feeling words yourself. “I’m feeling a little frustrated because I can’t find my keys,” or “I’m so grateful for your help.”
· Name Their Feelings: “It looks like you’re feeling disappointed that the park is closed.” This validates their experience.
· Use Books and Stories: While reading, ask, “How do you think the bear is feeling right now? Has you ever felt like that?”
· Create a “Feeling Chart”: Have pictures of faces showing a range of emotions (angry, scared, surprised, proud, lonely) and point to them when talking about the day.
When a child can say, “I’m jealous,” instead of hitting their sibling, that is a huge step in emotional regulation
Learning these skills helps students get along better with others. They feel happier and more confident at school and outside school too.
Teachers help children by talking about feelings every day. They also give examples and let students practice how to handle different feelings and problems. This way, children can learn how to use the language of feelings in real life.By learning SEL, students grow up to be thoughtful, caring, and strong people who can face challenges with calmness and courage.