Schools stress academic skills, but it's also critical to build a solid social-emotional foundation. The long-term benefits of teaching social-emotional skills in elementary school are so powerful, we should start implementing these skills earlier in life; expanding access so all students can benefit (2020, October 29). Students with higher social-emotional skills typically have better work habits. They are also more engaged in the classroom, exhibit stronger relationships with friends/teachers, and have increased academic achievement. Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is a type of learning that focuses on the social and emotional wellbeing of children. It encompasses skills such as self-awareness, decision making, self-regulation, and managing emotions.

What are the Long-term benefits of teaching social-emotional skills in elementary school?

There are many benefits to teaching social-emotional skills in elementary school. SEL can help a child grow into a more confident and successful adult. Teaching these skills at an early age will give kids the tools needed to make good decisions, form healthy relationships, and manage their emotions when faced with difficult situations. The social and emotional skills children learn at an early age help them throughout life. Here are some benefits of social-emotional learning in elementary school.

• Students learn how to manage their emotions: Children with strong social and emotional skills learn how to express their feelings in healthy ways. This can lead to increased self-control and an ability to deal more positively with frustration, anger, and disappointment. 

• It builds self-confidence: Developing social and emotional skills helps kids develop their self-esteem. Students who know how to work through their feelings feel better about themselves and are more confident in their abilities.

• SEL helps students succeed academically: Children with higher social-emotional skills are better able to focus and concentrate. This leads to increased academic success and more engaged classroom behavior.

• Children form and maintain healthy relationships: Teaching children how to recognize their emotions and express themselves clearly gives them the skills to develop strong relationships throughout life. Students are better able to maintain healthy friendships, communicate with others, and positively resolve conflicts.

• Improved ability to handle stress: When kids learn how to deal with their emotions, they can better handle the stresses of life. Knowing how to calm down during difficult times can help prevent meltdowns at home or school.

• They can cope with social difficulties: When children know how to recognize the feelings of others, empathize with them, and manage their own emotions they can better handle social situations. They will feel less awkward in new environments and be more comfortable around other people.

How can I start implementing social-emotional learning in my classroom?

1. Teach social-emotional skills early on: It can take years for some students to pick up certain social and emotional skills. Starting early enables kids to develop their abilities over time. It's beneficial to start teaching social-emotional lessons at the beginning of the year. This gives students time to practice their SEL skills throughout the year.

2. Make it fun: Children are more likely to enjoy learning when their social-emotional learning program is engaging and interactive. Games, songs, art, and other hands-on methods can make your lessons interesting for your students.

3. Create a positive classroom environment: A supportive and encouraging classroom helps students feel comfortable sharing their feelings and working through issues together. Setting high expectations and offering plenty of praise are great ways to motivate your students. (2020, November 19)

4. Incorporate SEL into your lesson plan: Integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum by teaching specific skills while you are teaching academic standards. This will help students relate their social-emotional skills to the academic material they are learning in class.

5. Use a variety of activities: There is a wide range of lessons and exercises you can use to teach SEL in your classroom. You can use projects, questionnaires, or discussion questions to help children recognize and regulate their emotions.

6. Model your behavior: Lead by example when it comes to social-emotional learning in the classroom. Be kind, empathetic, and understanding of other people's feelings. Role-play conversations with students so they can practice using these skills in a comfortable environment.

7. Give regular feedback: Social-emotional skills should be a lifelong process. Be sure to give positive reinforcement to your students when they are doing something right and provide guidance when they need help. If you do this, social-emotional learning will become an integral part of their education.

Summary of long-term benefits of teaching social-emotional skills in elementary school

Social-emotional learning can have a positive impact on students’ lives and help them be more successful in the long run. Teaching children how to manage their emotions, empathize with others, and handle difficult situations will help them form healthy relationships, feel confident, and persevere in life. With these tips, it is easy to implement an SEL program in the classroom and get results! 

References:

Blad, E. (2020, November 19). Social-emotional learning has long-lasting positive effects on students, study says. Education Week. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.edweek.org/leadership/social-emotional-learning-has-long-lasting-positive-effects-on-students-study-says/2017/07.

Commentaries, E. S. (2020, October 29). Commentary: Expanding Social-Emotional learning so all students can benefit. EdSource. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://edsource.org/2020/expanding-social-emotional-learning-so-all-students-can-benefit/642286.

Our approach. Our Approach | Social Emotional Learning And Mental Health Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://selmhacademy.edc.org/our-approach.