Social Emotional Learning Explained
Kids are struggling with emotional issues that need to be addressed. This makes it harder for them to learn and develop good relationships. One of education’s current emphases is social emotional learning (SEL). I know we are often suspicious about something that delves into the social or emotional development coming from public schools. However, as a public-school counselor, Christian mom, and grandmama, I will tell you it is a good thing. What will make it even better is if you talk with them about what they are learning and put it in the context of your family’s faith.
So, what is social emotional learning (SEL)? The main organization leading the charge on SEL is The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). They have determined that five main categories of social and emotional learning are important parts of human development that lead to successful living.
Areas of Social Emotional Learning
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-making
Scriptural Basis
These are things that Christian parents also want (even if it is just for the other kids in the class to learn them). But really, these concepts are Biblical. Consider these verses, as they cover the same topics.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
2 Peter 1:5-8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This fall I will write a post about each of these areas of SEL and how to talk about it, including times you don’t agree with what is taught. I will offer examples of Bible characters demonstrating that skill, and verses to learn.