‘Skills of the Heart’- Social and Emotional Learning

Program Overview

The "Skills of the Heart" program at Cosmos Primary School is a comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program based on the CASEL framework. The program is designed to foster social and emotional competence in students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. The program incorporates the five CASEL core competencies into its curriculum: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.

SEL Core Competencies:

1. Self-Awareness (Knowing Myself): This component of the program helps students recognize and understand their own emotions, values, strengths, and limitations. Activities include guided reflection, journaling, mindfulness exercises, and interactive discussions that help students identify and express their feelings and aspirations.

2. Self-Management (Managing Myself): Students learn strategies to manage their emotions, behaviors, and personal goals. They are taught stress-management techniques, persistence strategies, and ways to motivate themselves. Activities might include role-play scenarios, goal-setting sessions, and mindfulness practices that help students learn to control their impulses and express their emotions appropriately.

3. Social Awareness (Understanding Others): Students learn to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. They also learn to understand social and ethical norms for behavior. Activities include group projects, community engagement activities, and discussions on social issues to foster an understanding and appreciation of diversity.

4. Relationship Skills (Connecting with Others): This component focuses on helping students establish and maintain healthy relationships with individuals and groups. Students learn to communicate effectively, cooperate with others, negotiate conflict, and seek and offer help when needed. Activities might include collaborative projects, role-playing exercises, and peer mentoring opportunities.

5. Responsible Decision-Making (Making Wise Choices): Students learn to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions. They are taught to consider ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the evaluation of consequences, and the well-being of self and others. Activities might include problem-solving tasks, ethical dilemmas discussions, and reflection exercises.

The "Skills of the Heart" program at Cosmos Primary School provides a well-rounded social-emotional education that nurtures students' personal growth and their ability to interact harmoniously with others. Through engaging activities, interactive discussions, and reflective practices, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, foster empathy and understanding for others, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.