Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a term for the way children acquire social and emotional skills. It includes things like managing difficult emotions, making responsible decisions, handling stress, setting goals, and building healthy relationships.

When children lack the skills to manage their emotions and make good decisions, they often get in trouble at school. That’s why many schools teach SEL. Studies show that SEL positively affects students’ success in school and life.

SEL has five main skills: self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, self-management, and relationship skills. Specific topics that schools often teach include identifying feelings, considering other people’s perspectives, and brainstorming solutions to problems.