Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has a lot of components that are built into it. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a group that has done a lot of work to explain these parts. Their information can seem complicated, so let’s make it simple by looking at the five main skills they talk about so you can successfully implement this in your social-emotional classroom.

CASEL Competencies

CASEL has five competencies of SEL.

Competency #1 for Social-Emotional Classrooms: Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the first skill in SEL. It helps students understand themselves better. This includes knowing their own feelings, what they are good at, and what makes them unique. When students understand themselves, they can see how their feelings affect their actions.

Competency #2 for Social-Emotional Classrooms: Self-Management

The next skill is self-management. This means students learn to control their emotions and actions. They figure out how to calm down when they are upset and how to stay focused even when there are distractions. For example, if a student feels anxious, they might use deep breathing to relax.

Competency #3 for Social-Emotional Classrooms: Social Awareness

Social awareness is about understanding other people. Students learn to notice and respect the feelings and thoughts of others. They also learn about different cultures and backgrounds. This skill helps students be kind and supportive of their classmates.

Competency #4 for Social-Emotional Classrooms: Relationship Skills

Relationship skills are about getting along with others. Students learn how to talk clearly, listen to others, work in teams, and solve problems with friends. Teachers help students practice these skills by doing group activities. Good relationship skills help students make friends and work well with others.

Competency #5 for Social-Emotional Classrooms: Responsible Decision Making

The last skill is responsible decision-making. This means making good choices that are fair and kind. Students learn to think about the consequences of their actions before they do something. They practice solving problems and making decisions that help everyone. This skill ties all the other skills together.

Using SEL in the Classroom

While CASEL gives a lot of great information, teachers often want simple and quick ways to use these skills in their classrooms. Finding good resources and getting help from others can make this easier.

Join the SELebration Facebook Group!

One helpful resource is the SELebration Facebook Group. This is a group of teachers who share ideas and tips about using SEL. They post activities, lessons, and advice about teaching SEL skills. Joining this group can give you lots of ideas and support for teaching SEL in your classroom.

By using these five skills, you can help students learn important social and emotional lessons. Whether you are new to SEL or looking for more ways to teach it, CASEL’s ideas and the SELebration Facebook Group can help you in your journey.