What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and why is it important?
Social-emotional learning is the ability to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in their everyday life.
“Over the past twenty years, there has been a revolution of sorts in educational thinking, resulting in the belief that social, emotional and cognitive processes are all bound together in a seamless web.”
Do you ever feel like you can’t make personal goals?
Do you ever feel like you aren’t in touch with your feelings and you don’t know how to handle them?
Do you ever feel like you can’t connect with other people?
All of these questions can be addressed by one framework—social-emotional learning.
Here at Beat the Streets Toronto, social-emotional learning is at the core of our programs and objectives. SEL encompasses a wide range of skills and attitudes, all of which help set youth up for life-long success. The value of SEL has been proven many times over through various papers and reports. SEL is evidence-based and recognized by the Government of Ontario as being an important element of overall student success. SEL is critical for student well-being and academic performance and allows youth to be more resilient, confident, and secure. These skills are key in ensuring life-long success even after they leave BTST.
Below, we have attached an infographic summarizing the five key areas of social-emotional learning and the key benefits.
Now that you’re convinced about how amazing social-emotional learning is, why not try one of these short worksheets and learn more about yourself! (Courtesy of understood.org)