The benefits of social-emotional learning activities are seen not only in the classroom, but also at home and within a student’s community. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the foundation of all social-emotional learning activities is based in five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills.
Self-awareness is the knowledge of one’s own thoughts, motivations and feelings, as well as how those emotions affect a person’s behavior. This understanding allows students acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses to increase confidence in their abilities.
Self-management is how a person handles their emotions and actions in different environments. It includes the ability to take control under stress or adversity to continue to set and work towards goals.
Social awareness is the ability to emphasize and appreciate the perspective of another person. It helps provide an internal compass to act with empathy and integrity, whether at home, at school or in the greater community.
Relationship skills are a key competency that focuses on listening to others and being able to communicate with them. Relationship skills are the foundation for peacefully resolving conflict and knowing when to ask for — or offer — help.
Responsible decision-making is the fifth skill, enabling someone to act or respond to situations based on learned behaviors, such as ethics, safety, weighing consequences and the wellbeing of others. The ability to make responsible choices also involves accepting outcomes, even if it is not what was wanted or expected.
By using social-emotional learning activities in the classroom to develop these five competencies, students can become better, more productive, self-aware, and socially-aware learners and citizens in the years ahead. Learn more about the importance of social-emotional learning activities, as well as its benefits both in and out of the classroom, by visiting EmpowerU today!
