What is Social-Emotional Learning?

The purpose of social-emotional learning is to develop a child’s emotional literacy (EQ) and teach them the skills needed to manage the complexities, demands and pressures of everyday life by developing confidence, resilience and the ability to self-manage, make good choices and build healthy relationships. Research has shown that social-emotional learning contributes significantly to overall health and happiness as well as academic progress.

Core SEL Competencies

The COOL TO BE ME SEL educator training and curriculum across school and home focuses on teaching educators, learners and parents the following core SEL competencies:

Self-awareness, (I can identify and acknowledge my emotions and know my character strengths and areas of development)
Self-management, including:
- Self-regulation (I can calm down when I feel emotionally overwhelmed.)
- Goal-directed behaviour (Rather than being emotionally reactive I can choose a response that is aligned with a value or goal.)
Social awareness, (I show empathy and respect to others and am aware of the impact I have on them.)
Relationship skills, including:
- Effective communication (I listen actively with my head and heart and seek to understand. I communicate clearly so that I may be understood.)
- Conflict resolution (I co-operate. I compromise. I seek peaceful solutions.)
Responsible decision-making, including
- Personal responsibility (I am responsible for myself. I help others and make a contribution to the greater good of my community and environment.)
- Decision making (I try and make good decisions and learn from my mistakes and failures.)
Optimistic thinking for a positive growth mindset. (I am always willing to learn and grow.)

Outcomes of Social & Emotional Learning

Children develop these core SEL competencies through engaging in the COOL TO BE ME curriculum with educators and parents who apply SEL principles and practices, can expect to show:

better academic performance: achievement scores an average of 11 percentile points higher than students who did not receive SEL instruction;
improved attitudes and behaviours: greater motivation to learn, deeper commitment to school, increased time devoted to schoolwork, better classroom behaviour and closer family bonds;
improved decision making: choices and behaviours more closely aligned with personal, school or family values and goals;
fewer negative behaviours: decreases in disruptive behaviour, non-compliance, aggression and disciplinary referrals, sibling rivalry; and
reduced emotional distress: less likely to become depressed, anxious, stressed or withdraw.

Research and data world-wide, shows that Social and Emotional Learning is possibly the best investment educators and parents can make for children.