Social-emotional learning (SEL) comes in many shapes and sizes. And while it’s better to be doing some form of SEL in your school, rather than nothing at all, here at Positive Pieces Education, we know there’s nothing quite like reaping the benefits of effective SEL instruction.
What makes SEL instruction effective?
According to CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), effective SEL instruction is characterised by four elements represented by the acronym SAFE:
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Sequenced – intentional connection of learning activities in a logical progression that fosters skill development
Active – engaging forms of learning to help students gain skills and knowledge
Focused – clear emphasis on the development of personal and social skills
Explicit – targeting specific social and emotional competencies.
 (Durlak et al., 2010, 2011; Taylor et al., 2017)
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SEQUENCED
Mastery of skills, in any context, is best achieved when, first, a strong foundation has been laid - a foundation upon which further opportunities for students to build and grow their skillset can be supported. As is the case with social-emotional learning.
SEL programs that focus on setting up a strong foundation of skills upon which students can build competencies in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making, are found to be most effective.
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ACTIVE
When social-emotional learning engages students in active ways, improvements can be seen in both academic and behaviour outcomes (Cook et al., 2018).Â
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Providing active, learner-centred experiences that are designed to engage students in movement, role-playing, and incorporation of real-life contexts, assists students in gaining skills and knowledge concerning social-emotional competencies.
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FOCUSED
Effective SEL programs have a clear emphasis on the development of personal and social skills.
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Providing students with dedicated time to focus on social and emotional competencies in a variety of contexts allows them to fully engage in mastering SEL skills in meaningful ways.
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EXPLICIT
Explicit SEL instruction refers to consistent opportunities for students to cultivate, practice, and reflect on social and emotional competencies in ways that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.
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For SEL instruction to be most effective, it is important that classroom teachers take the lead on delivering explicit SEL instruction, and counsellors and other support staff support classroom implementation by co-facilitating, coaching, or leading professional learning on SEL instruction.
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By taking ownership of the explicit SEL instructions, teachers are also strengthening their own SEL competencies, and are able to integrate SEL learning into other academic areas.
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Is Second Step SAFE?
The evidence-based Second Step program is designed with SAFE elements in mind:
Sequenced – all Second Step lessons are designed to be taught in the order in which they appear in the program. Concepts are built upon as lessons progress throughout the year and across grade levels, to allow for students to attain mastery of skills.
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Active – Second Step lessons from Kindergarten-Year 3 include Brain Builders, which are short, active games that students play to promote a growth mindset and the development of executive function.  Activities in Year 4 & 5 also focus on movement and role-play. Additionally, movement and activity is promoted through the use of music and songs. Each of these skills are reinforced throughout the week on non-lesson days.
Take a look at a sample Brain Builder in this video:
Focused – there is a direct alignment between skills taught in the Second Step program and CASEL’s 5 core competencies. Students are working towards mastery of skills in the areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.
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Explicit – part of what makes the Second Step program so easy to teach are the scripted lessons provided for teachers, which also include research- and evidence-based teaching strategies, and possible expected responses from students.
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As well as containing all SAFE attributes, Second Step provides students with opportunities for practicing skills beyond the lesson and throughout the day, or through connections during academic lessons. Parents and families are also invited to help facilitate skill building at home through Home Links.
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Further consideration into how Second Step may be implemented on a whole-school basis can really bolster learning and help to create a more positive school climate. If you are looking to enhance your Second Step implementation to be more effective, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help.
Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more
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