What is Social Emotional Learning?
SEL Defined
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
SEL and Community Partners
Community partners (like grit & grace!) often provide safe and developmentally rich settings for learning and development, have deep understanding of community needs and assets, are seen as trusted partners by families and students, and have connections to additional supports and services that school and families need. Community programs also offer opportunities for young people to practice their social and emotional skills in settings that are both personally relevant and can open opportunities for their future.
Social Emotional Learning Pillars
The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts.This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.
Identifying Emotions
Accurate Self-Perception
Recognizing Strengths
Self-Confidence
Self-Efficacy
Having a Growth Mindset
Self-Awareness
The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals.
Managing One’s Emotions
Identifying and Using Stress Management Strategies
Exhibiting Self-Discipline and Self-Motivation
Setting Personal and Collective Goals
Showing the Courage to Take Initiative
Self-Management
The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.
Perspective Taking
Demonstrating Empathy and Compassion
Appreciating Diversity
Recognizing Situational Demands and Opportunities
Showing Respect to Others
Social Awareness
The abilities to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. This includes the capacities to communicate clearly, listen actively, cooperate, work collaboratively to problem-solve and negotiate conflict constructively, navigate settings with differing social and cultural demands and opportunities, provide leadership, and seek or offer help when needed.
Communicating Effectively
Developing Positive Relationships
Practicing Teamwork and Collaborative Problem Solving
Resolving Conflicts Constructively
Relationship Skills
The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being.
Demonstrating Curiosity and
Open-Mindedness
Anticipating and Evaluating the Consequences of One’s Actions
Recognizing How Critical Thinking Skills Are Useful Both Inside and Outside of School
Identifying Solutions for Personal and Social Problems