SEL (Social Emotional Learning) CURRICULUM OUTLINE
As educators, it is our job to prepare our students for the world within and beyond our classrooms. As a counselor, it is my job to do this through teaching Social and Emotional Skills, in developmentally appropriate ways, as follows:
Self-Awareness -
To develop appreciation of who we are and acceptance of those that are different
To understand that all our actions have consequences and impact others and our planet
To learn to take responsibility for our actions
To identify our values
Emotional Awareness-
To identify how we are feeling
To learn how to handle our emotions
To learn to regulate our behavior even when we have strong emotions
To develop the ability to be reflective, so that we can learn to respond, rather than be reactive to various situations
To develop adaptability and flexibility to better navigate situations that are unfamiliar or uncomfortable
Communication Skills-
To express thoughts and feelings respectfully
To express curiosity when we don’t understand
To speak up constructively when we disagree, without attacking
To respectfully advocate for oneself
To develop better understanding between people
Problem Solving Skills-
To learn how to solve problems creatively, constructively, collaboratively and nonviolently
To learn to handle our frustration and disappointment productively
To be able to discern facts from assumptions and opinions
To develop responsible decision making based on facts
Social and Interpersonal Skills-
To develop empathy for others and to practice kindness
To better understand others’ perspectives
To better understand how others’ experience influences their perspectives
To become aware that others may have identities different than our own and to learn to respect those differences, even when we can’t relate
Research has shown that children who are taught social emotional skills not only develop stronger ability to build friendships and have less behavior issues, but do better academically, too. There are long-term benefits as well.
https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/