Social & Emotional Learning

Check out the student SEL page to see student friendly videos about the different aspects of SEL, to learn the process we use to solve problems in 5F, and to view our favorite guided mindfulness and deep breathing videos. Of course, feel free to use the resources shared at home, too!

You have probably heard the phrase "social and emotional learning" before, but maybe you thought it was an educational buzzword that'd be gone by the following year. Well, here we are, and social and emotional learning is still critically important.

Developing your child's social and emotional skills is essential and foundational to your child's success, now and in the future. Teaching students how to understand their emotions, set and reach goals, develop relationship, understand others, and appreciate diversity are critical to their success.


Check out these videos!

5 Competencies of SEL

Responsible Decision Making:

Self-Management: The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals.

  • Impulse control

  • Stress management

  • Self-discipline

  • Self-motivation

  • Goal-setting

  • Organizational skills

Self-Awareness: The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.”

  • Identifying emotions

  • Accurate self-perception

  • Recognizing strengths

  • Self-confidence

  • Self-efficacy

Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

  • Perspective-taking

  • Empathy

  • Appreciating diversity

  • Respect for others

Relationship Skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.

  • Communication

  • Social engagement

  • Relationship-building

  • Teamwork

Responsible Decision Making: The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.

  • Identifying problems

  • Analyzing situations

  • Solving problems

  • Evaluating

  • Reflecting

  • Ethical responsibility

*Information from CASEL.org

Why is SEL important?

Increased Career Readiness

Increased Academic Performance

Fewer Behavior Problems

Long Term Benefits (see below)

McGraw-Hill. (2017, November 13). Fostering Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Through Technology. Retrieved from https://medium.com/inspired-ideas-prek-12/fostering-social-emotional-learning-through-technology-8da6974e54bb

Parent Resources

UCLA Center for Child Anxiety Resilience Education and Support (CARES) Director, Dr. John Piacentini and CARES Clinical Psychology Fellow, Dr. Diana Santacrose suggest ways that parents can help their child manage feelings of stress and anxiety. They also note when parents might want to seek more support for their family.