Social & Emotional Learning

SEL is an educational concept that helps kids gain skills in important areas beyond math, reading, and other core school subjects. SEL helps kids identify their feelings, understand and communicate with others, build strong relationships, and make good, empathetic decisions.

SEL focuses on a set of life skills kids need to understand themselves and communicate with others. For instance, SEL teaches kids ways to improve their:

• Empathy, Emotion Regulation, Problem-Solving Skills, Decision-Making Skills, Communication Skills, Relationships with Friends and Family, Self-Knowledge, Self-Control

Through SEL, kids can gain a better understanding of themselves and of the people around them. They can gain the skills and knowledge that will help them understand their emotions, develop their identities, and set goals.

In an important 2011 study, (click here to review the research article) researchers conducted one of the largest and most comprehensive reviews of SEL. They reviewed 213 studies that included over 270,000 students and found, among other things, that participating in SEL programs improves students‘ performances in their classes. It also has a lasting impact on students and on school communities.