Did you know that schools and communities around the globe come together each year on the 2nd Friday in March to celebrate the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) on International SEL Day? The theme this year, the fourth year of this important event, is Uplifting Hearts, Connecting Minds.
To mark the occasion we want share just some of the ways that SEL positively impacts students, and school communities as a whole.
Social-emotional learning helps students develop the critical skills of empathy, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and self regulation. These life-long skills prepare children to build and maintain positive relationships, excel academically, make responsible decisions, and collaborate in the workplace.
SEL fosters critical skills for learning. There is ample research to suggest that when educators create an environment that values and respects students, affirms their identities, and supports their growth, students are more motivated — and earn higher grades and test scores. Creating supportive conditions for learning fosters engagement and motivates young people to reach their potential.
Kindergartners with stronger SEL skills are more likely to attain a college degree, more likely to earn a high school diploma, and more likely to have a full-time job at age 25. Read the full report here
The top ten career skills identified by the World Economic Forum in 2020 in their Future of Jobs Report all involve social and emotional competence:
Complex problem-solving
Critical thinking
Creativity
People management
Coordinating with others
Emotional intelligence
Judgment and decision-making
Service orientation
Negotiation
Cognitive flexibility
Watch the video below to hear from CEO, Andrea Lovanhill from Committee for Children, creators of the Second Step program. “SEL is what helps kids be safe, healthy, and happy,” says Andrea. “It breeds success in communication, problem-solving, and relationship building.”
SEL supports the competencies and skills young people develop at home, after school, and in core academic subjects through improving cooperation, communication, and decision making. In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, SEL gives students a framework to be school, career, and life ready.
The stats are clear, school principals, educators and parents agree that SEL improves student outcomes and should be taught in school.
Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more