I would define Social- Emotional Learning as skills that are
learned that help an individual understand, develop and use their social and
emotional health and wellbeing to become a well rounded person. This will not only help them in school but also
in their personal relationships and for employment. There are 5 core components to SEL. They are: Self awareness, social awareness, relationship skills,
responsible decision making, and self management. The benefits of having those above mentioned
skills helps to create a well rounded child who demonstrates empathy, can
communicate and interact with others, can listen to perspectives, who can
regulate their emotions, who can make good judgements and decisions as well as
problem solve and can manage their time, material and space.
As a speech-language pathologist, I see traditional
education practices as teaching the content: reading, writing, math, science
and social studies, in a straightforward manner. You also get your special areas of gym,
library, art, music and computers. When
integrating SEL into the school day alongside the traditional curriculum,
students are working collaboratively. Morning
circle shifts into a restorative circle practice where it is not always teacher
led but can be student driven. It is not
just going over the calendar and today’s agenda but an opportunity to share perspectives
and feelings on a question that is posed by the teacher or student. Project based learning is happening in the
classrooms.
