What is Social Emotional Learning SEL: Why It Matters

In fact, some even attest that social-emotional learning is needed for complete human development, particularly in the early years (Ahmed et al., 2020). Those who oppose social-emotional learning argue that SEL is manipulative and works to mold student personalities into a uniform expectation, taking away student individuality (Zhao, 2020). The purpose of this article is to examine potential practices for implementing social-emotional learning into the elementary classroom. This belief has more early childhood educators calling for knowledge of social-emotional learning instruction and the best way of doing so. That is, students’ social-emotional needs should be met before expecting them to absorb and retain academic information.

Temp FT (1. Grade 7 & Physical Education Teacher (2026-

These changes allowed for schools in the United States to begin researching the impact SEL could have on their students and bring attention to meeting students’ social-emotional needs. Opponents also worry that https://www.pacesconnection.com/g/california-aces-action/blog/the-growing-battle-over-school-mental-health-and-social-emotional-learning?reply=538679547617369177 social-emotional learning may influence students’ future political views, rather than teaching them to develop their own opinions about political issues (Stringer, 2019). These practices are remarkably like lessons taught as part of social-emotional learning, where students learn the importance of growth mindset and goal setting (Brennan, 2015).

Temp FT (1. Workplace Math/Science/Photography/Physical Education/Career Life Education 10 Teacher (2026-

• Once schools receive the support and resources to begin the implementation of SEL, administrators need to research best practices for implementing social-emotional learning.
• Another example is a student asking a friend, “Can you explain that math problem to me? I didn’t understand it,” which demonstrates asking for help.
• In some school districts, students are asked to enter their current mood or feelings into an app every day, as part of the social-emotional learning curriculum.
• An effective social and emotional learning curriculum enhances these five SEL competencies.

Help demystify SEL by sharing what it actually looks like day-to-day in classrooms. Use high-quality, evidence-based SEL approaches and continuous improvement practices to ensure every student benefits. What type of classroom will help them get there? “Educators have incredible insight into how learning happens,” Samuel says. “If you don’t have self-awareness, you can’t teach it to somebody else,” she says. “I’ve been in these meetings … with practitioners, and even though they say SEL is also for educators, I’m not hearing a lot of details.

“When I talk to parents and school leaders,” Hoffman adds, “it’s clear that another benefit they see from students engaging in SEL is a sense of belonging.” There is also evidence that SEL supports educational equity and classroom inclusivity. But when children don’t master these skills, they often develop behavior problems that, in turn, can interfere with their functioning in school and their ability to learn. Then, when a conflict between students comes up, the teacher coaches them through it using the skills from the lesson. When children lack the skills to manage their emotions and make good decisions, they often get in trouble at school. School leaders can organize activities that build positive relationships and a sense of community among students through structures such as regularly scheduled morning meetings or advisories that provide students with opportunities to connect with each other.

Thus, legislators in nine states have proposed bills to prohibit or inhibit SEL instruction in kindergarten through grade 12 (K–12) schools. Education policy has the potential to influence the high-quality implementation of SEL, from the school district, to the school, to the classroom. Get updates on our care services in California and resources to support children’s mental health. Get exclusive updates on our care services and resources to support children’s mental health.