How can teachers foster social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom?

Integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies into the curriculum is an effective strategy for teachers to foster SEL in the classroom. This approach allows educators to create lessons that explicitly teach students about self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. By embedding SEL into the academic curriculum, students can develop these essential skills in a relevant context, helping them understand how to apply social-emotional skills in real-life situations.

This integration not only supports the emotional and social development of students but also enhances their academic learning by creating a more supportive and collaborative classroom environment. When SEL is part of daily lessons and interactions, it promotes a culture of caring and respect, enabling students to feel more connected to one another and to their learning.

In contrast, separating subjects into strict categories may limit opportunities for collaborative learning and integration of SEL lessons. Stringent discipline policies can create a punitive atmosphere that hinders emotional growth, while minimizing group work undermines the development of relationship skills and social awareness. These alternative approaches do not effectively engage students in developing the competencies associated with social and emotional learning.