Children learn social-emotional skills in a variety of ways, including the behavior they see modeled by the adults in their lives. But social-emotional skills and concepts can also be taught explicitly in the classroom, in much the same way math or reading is taught.

• The teacher explains a concept with words, pictures, video, and/or audio

• Students practice the concept through skill practice, group discussion, individual writing, or partner work

• The teacher continues reinforcing the concept throughout the week

• The teacher sends information home for students to work on with parents

• The teacher checks for understanding

• The teacher re-teaches where necessary