If we want students to learn, if we are willing to do what it takes to help them learn and if we believe that learning is both academic and social and emotional, then we know the importance of prioritizing SEL in the classroom. The ultimate goal is to integrate SEL practices into daily instruction. When we are intentional about this, students begin to understand the benefits and grow socially, emotionally and academically.
One useful move in prioritizing SEL is to implement daily SEL targets that align with academic learning. Like academic learning targets, SEL targets should reflect the intended SEL goal. The best way to start is by utilizing the five core competencies identified in the CASEL framework (self-management, self awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making). Consider using the language from the CASEL core competencies to develop a daily SEL target and refer to the specific language throughout your academic lessons.
Periodically give student reminders of the SEL target and show examples of what it looks like and doesn’t look like. For example, if you choose to focus on relationship skills, the daily SEL target could be: We can listen to others’ ideas, questions and opinions with openness and respect. Allow students to share examples and nonexamples of listening with openness and respect, give reminders when transitioning to a different activity, and praise those who show this skill throughout the class period or day.
