What is Social Emotional Learning? - Ralphy's Rules for Feelings
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is all about teaching important life skills like handling emotions, dealing with people, and making good choices. The idea is to help individuals become more emotionally smart, resilient, and overall well-adjusted. Unlike regular school subjects, SEL recognizes the need to deal with the social and emotional side of learning.
The core competencies of Social-Emotional Learning typically include:
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Self-Awareness: Understanding one's emotions, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and having a realistic self-perception.
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Self-Management: Regulating one's emotions, setting and achieving goals, and demonstrating self-discipline.
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Social Awareness: Understanding and empathizing with others' perspectives, appreciating diversity, and recognizing social cues.
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Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships, communicating effectively, and working collaboratively with others.
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Responsible Decision-Making: Making ethical and constructive choices, considering the well-being of oneself and others, and understanding the consequences of one's actions.
In schools and homes, SEL is put into practice by weaving these skills into everyday activities and lessons. The goal is to give people the tools to navigate their feelings, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions as they go through life. Studies show that Social-Emotional Learning not only boosts academic performance but also has positive effects on mental health and social skills.
Research clearly demonstrates the significant role of SEL in promoting the healthy
development and academic achievement of all students. It also shows that SEL reduces
problem behaviors and emotional distress that interfere with the learning and
development of some students. Research indicates that SEL programming significantly
raises test scores while it lowers levels of emotional distress; disruptive behavior; and
alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use. SEL is thus an effective approach for addressing the
SS/HS core elements: safe learning environments and violence prevention activities;
substance abuse prevention; behavioral, social, and emotional supports; mental health
services; and early childhood SEL programs.
~The Department of Education, IL Read the Full Article
Our upcoming release is the perfect book to add to your collection of social emotional books, Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings. We often grapple with strong emotions, especially on the daunting first day of school. 'Furrapist' Jackson Johnson and the endearing pup Ralphy guide a busload of kids, teaching them to understand and manage their emotions. Jackson emphasizes that children can choose their emotions and control their responses, simplifying the complex topic of emotional intelligence. Join us on the bus as we explore how taking charge of our feelings can positively impact our day!
