1. Self-Awareness
Grief brings a wide range of emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, confusion. SEL helps students recognize, name, and validate these emotions without shame.
“I feel sad and angry today... and that’s okay.”
2. Self-Management
Grief can cause emotional overwhelm. SEL provides tools to regulate big feelings, such as breathing strategies, grounding techniques, and safe outlets like art, journaling, or movement.
“When I feel overwhelmed, I know how to calm my body down.”
3. Social Awareness
Grieving students may feel isolated or misunderstood. SEL nurtures empathy and compassion, helping peers and adults better respond to those who are hurting.
“I can’t fix it, but I can sit beside you.”
4. Relationship Skills
Grief impacts relationships—withdrawal, tension, or conflict may increase. SEL emphasizes healthy communication, trust, and support, creating safe spaces in classrooms and communities.
“We talk about feelings here. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to not talk.”
5. Responsible Decision-Making
Grief can affect behavior and impulse control. SEL reinforces how to make safe, caring, and thoughtful decisions—especially when emotions are high or when students feel vulnerable.
“Even when I’m upset, I can choose how to act."
SEL doesn’t “fix” grief—it holds space for it.
When schools embed SEL practices, they create environments where grief can be acknowledged, expressed, and supported—not ignored, minimized, or rushed.