How do you prioritize social and emotional learning in your teaching?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing and applying the skills, attitudes, and values that help students thrive in school and life. SEL can enhance academic performance, reduce behavioral problems, and foster positive relationships. But how do you prioritize SEL in your teaching? Here are some tips to help you integrate SEL into your curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Key takeaways from this article

Individualized SEL support:

Tailor social and emotional learning to each student's unique needs. By understanding their personal challenges and strengths, you can create a supportive environment that fosters leadership and helps prevent behavioral issues.
Workshops and one-on-one sessions:

Use these tools to help students express themselves and manage stress before important academic events. Personalized attention promotes self-esteem and creates a safe space for emotional growth alongside academic learning.

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1 Align your goals

Before you plan your lessons, think about the SEL competencies you want your students to develop. These may include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. You can use frameworks such as CASEL's or your state's standards to guide you. Then, align your learning objectives, activities, and outcomes with the SEL competencies you have chosen.

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2 Model and teach SEL skills

As a teacher, you are a powerful role model for your students. You can demonstrate SEL skills by expressing your emotions, managing your stress, showing empathy, and resolving conflicts. You can also teach SEL skills explicitly by using strategies such as role-playing, scenarios, games, and discussions. For example, you can ask your students to practice giving and receiving feedback, identifying their strengths and challenges, or setting goals and action plans.

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Amelia J.
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In my role as a Tier I SEL-focused advocate, I prioritize social and emotional learning through activities that involve modeling, teaching coping strategies, and fostering the expression of emotions and social skills. Individualized one-on-one sessions are particularly beneficial, as they help build trust with students and enable us to get to know them better. These sessions contribute to students' self-regulation and self-awareness, enhancing their ability to navigate themselves and their environment.

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3 Create a supportive environment

One of the key elements of SEL is creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom culture. You can do this by establishing clear norms and expectations, celebrating diversity and achievements, and providing opportunities for collaboration and leadership. You can also use positive reinforcement, constructive feedback, and restorative practices to promote positive behaviors and attitudes. Additionally, you can foster a sense of belonging and community by using icebreakers, check-ins, and circles.

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Amelia J.
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We prioritize social and emotional learning by tailoring our approach to each student's needs. For instance, we have a high-functioning first-grader with ADHD on the spectrum who excels in one-on-one settings with minimal distractions. In such cases, I establish clear expectations, create a safe and supportive environment, and provide opportunities for leadership and relationship building. Being intentional about getting to know our students and showing that we care is crucial, as it helps prevent potential behavioral issues in the classroom.

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4 Assess and reflect on SEL growth

To measure the impact of SEL on your students, you need to use multiple and varied forms of assessment. These may include self-assessments, peer assessments, portfolios, rubrics, and surveys. You can also use observation, anecdotal records, and student work samples to monitor SEL progress. Moreover, you need to provide time and space for reflection, both for yourself and your students. You can use journals, portfolios, or conferences to help your students reflect on their SEL strengths, areas for improvement, and goals.

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5 Seek feedback and collaboration

As a teacher, you are not alone in your SEL journey. You can seek feedback and collaboration from your colleagues, administrators, parents, and students. You can use professional learning communities, coaching, or mentoring to share best practices, challenges, and resources. You can also involve parents and families by communicating your SEL goals, inviting their participation, and providing them with tips and tools. Finally, you can empower your students by asking for their input, preferences, and ideas.

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6 Keep learning and improving

SEL is not a one-time event or a fixed curriculum. It is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires continuous learning and improvement. You can keep learning and improving by staying updated on the latest research, trends, and innovations in SEL. You can also seek new opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, webinars, or courses. Most importantly, you can keep an open mind and a growth mindset, and embrace challenges and feedback as opportunities for growth.

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Theresa Carr

Functional Skills tutor North West
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Over my years teaching in Further Education; I found workshops and one to one time very useful for the learners. These were especially helpful before exams or coursework they found difficult. It gave them a chance to fully express their emotions, feelings and thoughts about their own lives and study progress. They felt more at ease expressing their emotions, given tutor support in listening and empathy. Offering individual, constructive feedback and positive goals helped their confidence and importantly, their self esteem. Even having breaks completing fun puzzles, short quizzes helped! The workshops facilitated openness and gave comfort. Guiding learners through their emotional journeys alongside their own learning is a very crucial step.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you prioritize social and emotional learning in your teaching?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Align your goals

2 Model and teach SEL skills

3 Create a supportive environment

4 Assess and reflect on SEL growth

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

6 Keep learning and improving

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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How do you prioritize social and emotional learning in your teaching?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Align your goals

2 Model and teach SEL skills

3 Create a supportive environment

4 Assess and reflect on SEL growth

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

6 Keep learning and improving

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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