Social-emotional learning (SEL) provides foundational skills that do not always get the attention they deserve. Implementing a SEL curriculum establishes a structure for skill building with lasting benefit to students. SEL lessons are a proven way to enhance student development, as it can help students overcome issues that would have overwhelmed them in the past.
Teaching Teamwork
Many adults can look back over their life and see the benefits of collaboration. Teamwork is valuable to just about anything you want to accomplish, especially if it’s a big goal that requires help from others. SEL lessons incorporate problem-solving and communication in a way that builds teams. Whether students are working with one other person, or a group of people, learning how to handle conflict, misunderstanding and difficult situations is critical. Learning and practicing the skills of a valued team player will serve students well into adulthood.
Encouraging Empathy
Everyone must understand the importance of empathy. It’s common for kids to focus on their needs and wants, rather than considering the needs of others. Teaching children how to think about others’ feelings can help them develop positive relationships for a lifetime. The lessons will include having empathy toward their peers, including people who are not their friends. It will make it easier for them to resolve disagreements. Sometimes empathy is about showing kindness when you do not feel like it — a lesson that some adults do not learn until very late in life.
Contact EmpowerU for information about SEL lessons that can benefit your students.
