What is SEL?

Jennifer Washabaugh





Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a process through which children and youth acquire skills and knowledge to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL is an integral part of a child's development and is recognized as an important component of education. It can help students develop important life skills and lead to improved academic and personal outcomes.

One of the key benefits of SEL is improved academic performance. Studies have shown that students who participate in SEL programs have better grades, higher test scores, and are more engaged in learning. They also have fewer behavioral problems, such as absenteeism, suspensions, and expulsions.
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The curriculum aligns with positive youth development best practices in Program Quality Assessment (PQA), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and National Health Education standards that value the role and importance of youth being in control of their decision-making. This curriculum includes an experiential outdoor simulation where the learner, or ‘adventurer’, navigates through journeys such as hiking, camping, and kayaking while making healthy choices and building valuable life skills.

5 Competences of SEL

  • 1: Self Awareness
  • 2: Self Management
  • 3: Social Awareness
  • 4: Relationship skills 
  • 5: Responsible Decision making
SEL can also have a positive impact on mental health. Children and youth who participate in SEL programs have better emotional regulation and are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. SEL can also help to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being.Another benefit of SEL is improved social skills. SEL teaches children how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships. These skills are essential for success in all areas of life, including personal relationships and the workplace.
In addition, SEL can help to reduce negative behaviors such as drug use and violence. By teaching children and youth to make responsible decisions, SEL programs can help to promote healthy habits and prevent risky behaviors.

Overall, social and emotional learning is an important component of education that can help children and youth develop important life skills and lead to improved academic and personal outcomes. It provides students with the tools to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. By incorporating SEL into education, we can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes the overall well-being of students.

YESS Institute provides in school Social Emotional Learning programs for Youth in Denver

5 Key Takeaways

1. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a process through which children and youth acquire skills and knowledge to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

2. SEL is an integral part of a child's development and education, and it can help students develop important life skills and lead to improved academic and personal outcomes.

3. Students who participate in SEL programs have better academic performance, higher test scores, and are more engaged in learning, as well as fewer behavioral problems such as absenteeism, suspensions, and expulsions.

4. SEL can have a positive impact on mental health by improving emotional regulation, reducing anxiety and depression, and promoting a sense of well-being.

5. SEL also improves social skills, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and building positive relationships, and can help reduce negative behaviors such as drug use and violence by promoting responsible decision-making.

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References

Casel. (sd). What Does the Research Say? Opgehaald van Casel: https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/

Education, C. d. (sd). How SEL and Mental Health Supports can be Incorporated into Daily Learning. Opgehaald van Colorado departement of education: https://www.cde.state.co.us/coreadingwriting/social-emotional-health-and-learning

Learning, N. c. (n.d.). Social Emotional learning. Retrieved from National center of safe supportive learning: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/hot-topics/social-emotional-learning