What Is Social Emotional Learning and Why Does It Matter?

Published 6/24/2020.

This was developed in support of the Toolbox Training workshop, Promoting Social & Emotional Learning, which you can learn about more here. This content is also available via the free pdf book 100 Activities and Methods for Promoting Social & Emotional Learning in Afterschool Programs. What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)? “The capacity to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems effectively, and establish positive relationships with others.” –Joseph E. Zins and Maurice J. Elias, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Why SEL Matters There are proven benefits for youth who participate in social & emotional learning programs in school settings.

What Goes Up: Academic achievement –GPA and standardized test scores up 11% (CASEL, Edutopia) Social and emotional skills –up 23% (Durlak) Attitude toward self, others, school (CASEL, Durlak, Edutopia) Helping/prosocial behaviors –up 9% (Durlak, Edutopia) Emotional regulation (Go Strengths) Classroom engagement (Go Strengths) Resilience (Go Strengths) Self-confidence (Go Strengths)

What Goes Down: Problem behavior –down 9% (Durlak, Go Strengths) Aggression (Edutopia) Emotional stress –down 10% (Durlak) Negative thinking decreases (Go Strengths) Substance abuse (CASEL)

Resources in parentheses are detailed at the bottom of the page. A.R.M.O.R.E.D. There are seven social & emotional skills with which all youth should be A.R.M.O.R.E.D.:

Awareness of Self Regulation Motivation Others (Awareness of) Relationship Building Emotional Intelligence Decision Making/Problem Solving

Read more about these skills here. Other Toolbox Training Resources: Toolbox Training (2020). “What Is Social Emotional Learning and Why Does It Matter?” Toolbox Training (2020). “7 SEL Skills with Which Youth Should Be A.R.M.O.R.E.D.” Toolbox Training (2018). “100 Activities and Methods to Promote Social & Emotional Learning” Toolbox Training (2018). 100 Activities and Methods for Promoting Social & Emotional Learning in Afterschool Programs (free downloadable pdf book) Toolbox Training (2017). Promoting Social & Emotional Learning (workshop) Additional Resources and References: Aukeem Ballard @ Edutopia.org (2017). “When Mindfulness Feels Like a Necessity” Building Community: Social Emotional Learning and the Library (slide show) CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) (2017). “What Is SEL?” CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) (2015). “ What Does Evidence Based Instruction in Social and Emotional Learning Actually Look Like in Practice?” Center for Social and Emotional Education “Cultivating Caring Learning Communities” Centervention (2017). “Free Social Emotional Learning Activities” Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development and Metropolitan Community College (2014). Professional Development for Afterschool/Youth Workers. “Module 12: Social and Emotional Development.” Metropolitan Community College; Kansas City, MO. GoStrengths.com (2017). “What Is Social Emotional Learning?” Aimee Hosler (2014). TeachThought.com: “10 Team-Building Games That Promote Critical Thinking” The George Lucas Educational Foundation (2013). “5 Keys to Successful Social and Emotional Learning” (video) Emelina Minero (2017). “13 Powerful SEL Activities” Pinterest.com/toolboxtraining (2017). “Social and Emotional Learning” Brenda Priddy @ OurPastimes.com: “List of Motivational Games for Kids” Sequim School District (2016). “Social Emotional Learning – SEL” WallaceFoundation.org (2017). “Navigating SEL from the Inside Out – Looking Inside & Across 25 Leading SEL Programs: A Practical Resource For Schools And Ost Providers.” www.WeAreTeachers.com (2016). “21 Simple Ways to Integrate Social-Emotional Learning Throughout the Day.”