Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

The SEL Experience Begins Here: Exploring Your Ideas

As you observe the image above, what are your thoughts and your interpretation?

  • What do you see?

  • What do you think? and

  • What do you wonder?

Reflective Thought: How does this image help you connect to your understanding of what is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

CLICK the link below: I SEE - I THINK - I WONDER

  • Create your own copy of the Google Doc to write your responses to the questions mentioned above, under the appropriate columns, located on the Google document.

  • Be prepared to share your thoughts and interpretation about the image with your teacher and others!

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?


  • As you explore deeper about your understanding what is SEL, watch the short video (1:59 minutes in length) to the right of this section.

  • LOOK FORs: Identify and write down some of the key points you learned in this video.

  • Be prepared to share your findings with your teacher and others!


What does social and emotional learning mean to me?


On a piece of paper or in your journal book, write your own definition about your understanding what is Social Emotional Learning (SEL).


  • On a piece of paper or in your journal book, write a short, reflective answer explaining your understanding about social emotional learning (SEL) and how SEL can help you on the road to success. You may refer back to your key points you wrote about in your LOOK FORs.

  • Next, read the brief definition about SEL, located at the bottom of the Google slide (you will need to click on the link below) , about what is SEL and compare it to your your definition of what SEL is all about!

  • Click on the link below and create your copy: Google Slide--What is Social Emotional Learning?

  • Be prepared to share it with your teacher.

What are the benefits of SEL?

Increase in academic performance and graduation rates

•Positive relations and connections

•Enriched school and classroom climate

•Decreased stress and anxiety

•Reduction in behavioral issues and bullying

SEL: 5 CORE COMPETENCIES / KEY SKILLS

SEL consists of five core competencies or key skills:

  • Self-awareness – recognition of one’s own emotions, personal goals, and values

  • Self-management – regulation of one’s own emotions and behaviors

  • Social awareness – understanding of and compassion for others’ backgrounds or cultures

  • Relationship skills – ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships

  • Responsible decision-making – making positive choices involving one’s own behavior

These five key skills are essential for success in virtually every area of life, from education to employment to family and community relationships. Integrating SEL into the classroom not only creates better academic outcomes, it also gives students a firm foundation to operate successfully once their academic career is complete.

1. Self Awareness

Recognizing one's emotional and values as well as one's strengths and challenges.

2. Self Management

Manage emotions and behaviors to achieve one's goals.

3. Social Awareness

Showing understanding and empathy for others.

CAN YOU "NAME THAT EMOTION"? Social Emotional Learning Video Lesson/ Gameshow - Social Awareness



4. Relationship Management

Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict.

5. Responsible Decision Making

Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior