Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults can better understand, manage, and express emotions and empathy, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL curricula teaches children techniques that help them gain confidence, set and achieve positive goals, collaborate well, and navigate the world more effectively—adding a highly valuable dimension to education in the classroom.
Remember..social and emotional skills are just as important, if not more important than academic learning skills!
CASEL, “What is SEL?”
Allen W. Roberts Elementary School teachers have increased their awareness of social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies and began to integrate them into the daily classroom and overall school experience. At times, especially during the hybrid learning model of 2020-2021, teachers sense that students are feeling overwhelmed or stressed from all of the challenging rigorous work and daily situations. This is when it is important to take a break and reflect on how students are feeling. Here are some SEL exercises that you can incorporate in your day!
Of course we must always breathe, it is vital to live! But our breathing pattern alters in pattern and rhythm at different times of the day and in different emotional states, for example: sighing in despair, painting with exhaustion, holding our breath in fear and terror. Usually we breathe automatically, without thinking about it, but we can also alter out breathing pattern at will. Because of this unique relationship between our thinking and bodily processes, our breathing pattern can play an important role in how much we are affected by a negative emotion such as stress or sadness. Belly breathing is a useful tool to support your child to cope with any negative emotion because it reduces our heart rate and triggers a relaxtion response. It is also combined with many other coping skills!
Be Kind To Yourself- Go Noodle
Debriefing Questions (when your child is done watching the video and completing the exercise discuss the following questions with them.)
- How did the exercise make you feel?
- Was it harder to send caring wishes to yourself? Did it become easier or harder the more you practiced?
- Why is it important to be kind to yourself?
5 Senses Grounding Exercise
The basic premise of this exercise is that reconnecting with all of your senses can ground you in the present moment, putting a stop to racing negative thoughts. It helps to let your body know that there is nothing to fear. Anyone can make time for this exercise, as it only takes five minutes. All you need is a quiet space with no distractions. Sit upright, rest your hands on top of your thighs, and make sure you’re comfortable. Next, breathe slowly and deeply, and follow these five steps on the poster. I have also attached a worksheet if you want to write it out instead of just saying it outloud.
5 Senses Poster 5 Senses Worksheet
Those who know their strengths and use them frequently tend to have more success in several areas. They feel happier, have better self-esteem, and are more likely to accomplish their goals. To use your strengths effectively, it’s important to have a clear idea of what they are, and how they can be used. In this worksheet you will identify your strengths and ways in which you are already using them. Additionally, you will explore new ways to use your strengths to your advantage.
Learn 4 easy yoga poses with the help from animal friends. These yoga poses can help you relax when you feel tension in your bodies.
Use the key on the left to learn new coping skills and color the picture!