Choosing a social emotional curriculum for elementary school can feel overwhelming, but we know it’s so important! When it comes to educating young people, we know it’s about more than ABCs and 123s. Teaching social emotional learning (SEL) is just as critical as academic learning—it’s the magic that helps students develop social awareness, build positive relationships, and navigate life with emotional intelligence. But how do you choose a social emotional curriculum for elementary school that will be a perfect fit for your classroom? Let’s dive in!
Read on for how to choose the best social emotional curriculum for elementary school!
Looking for an easy to use SEL curriculum? These lessons and activities are for you:
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- The Importance Of Social Emotional Learning
- Picking The Right Social Emotional Curriculum For Elementary School
- Necessary Units to Include in Your SEL Curriculum
- Incorporating SEL Into Your Day
- Social Emotional Learning Curriculum For Elementary
The Importance of Social Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning is the heart of education. It equips elementary students with essential life skills like responsible decision-making, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness. SEL fosters supportive relationships, encourages positive behaviors, and promotes educational equity by addressing the whole child.
SEL isn’t just an add-on; it’s an integral part of education that supports academic performance, emotional development, and student success. From early childhood to high school students, SEL programs make a lasting positive impact, creating a foundation for life success. By helping students understand their emotions, develop healthy identities, and set collective goals, SEL empowers them to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
In addition to improving emotional well-being, SEL lays the groundwork for academic achievement. When students feel supported and secure, they’re better able to focus on learning. This approach also cultivates a sense of belonging, which is crucial for nurturing a positive school culture and climate.
What Studies Have Shown About Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Elementary School
Research proves that SEL is a game-changer. Evidence-based programs, like those outlined in the CASEL framework, improve academic achievement, emotional competencies, and social skills. Studies show that SEL skills directly boost academic success by creating safe spaces and supportive environments where students feel valued.
One comprehensive study revealed that students who participated in research-based SEL programs showed an 11% improvement in academic performance compared to their peers. Additionally, SEL instruction leads to long-term benefits, such as reduced rates of mental health challenges, improved interpersonal skills, and stronger emotional resilience.
School districts that implement a social emotional curriculum for elementary school see a significant uptick in positive behaviors and academic performance. These programs encourage students to take ownership of their actions, make responsible decisions, and build meaningful relationships. For elementary students, the early development of these skills sets the stage for lifelong success.
Picking the Right Social Emotional Curriculum for Elementary School
Finding the right SEL curriculum for your classroom is like choosing a favorite dessert—it depends on what works best for your students! Look for a social emotional curriculum for elementary school with clear goals, research-based activities, and age-appropriate lessons. It’s also helpful to have a program that meets the needs of your classroom schedule – you don’t want something that you don’t ever use because you can’t find the time.
When evaluating SEL programs, consider the following criteria:
- Alignment with the CASEL framework: It’s helpful to keep in mind the five key SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
- Grade-Level Appropriateness: The content should be engaging and developmentally suitable for the students in the grade you teach.
- Inclusivity: A good curriculum celebrates diversity and promotes educational equity by addressing the unique needs of all learners.
- Flexibility: Look for programs that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine. Activities you can pick and choose from based on how much time you have are better than strict, rigid lesson structures.
- Evidence-Based Results: You want to find programs that are built on research and that other teachers have found will yield positive outcomes in emotional development, social skills, and academic performance.
Choosing the right curriculum may take some time, but the payoff is immense. With the right tools, you’ll empower your students to build emotional resilience, form supportive relationships, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Necessary Units to Include in Your SEL Curriculum
Having units to move through during the school year is a helpful way to organize your social emotional curriculum for elementary school. These units are a must when thinking about a social emotional curriculum for elementary school:
- Friendship: Teach students how to form and maintain positive relationships. Activities like role-playing and collaborative games can help build these critical relationship skills.
- Mindfulness: Help students stay present and manage stress. Simple mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or body scans can work wonders for focus and emotional regulation.
- Growth Mindset: Encourage perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Lessons on embracing mistakes as learning opportunities help students build confidence and grit.
- Gratitude: Foster a sense of appreciation and positive behaviors. Gratitude journals and thank-you notes can help students reflect on the good in their lives.
- Self-Love: Build healthy identities and boost confidence. Encourage students to celebrate their unique strengths and talents.
- Celebrating Diversity: Promote inclusivity and social awareness. Lessons on cultural traditions, stories about diverse heroes, and activities that highlight different perspectives can broaden students’ horizons.
- Social Skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Teaching students to express themselves clearly and listen actively can enhance classroom harmony and cooperation.
Each of these units helps students develop the emotional competencies they need to navigate the complexities of life and relationships.
Incorporating SEL Into Your Day
Integrating SEL doesn’t have to disrupt your daily routine. Simple practices, like morning check-ins, mindfulness exercises, or guided discussions, weave SEL seamlessly into your schedule. Create a safe space where students feel heard, supported, and encouraged to grow emotionally and academically.
One effective approach is to tie SEL instruction into existing subjects. For example:
- Incorporate discussions about emotions and character development into literature lessons.
- Use math problems to teach persistence and problem-solving.
- Highlight teamwork and collective goals during group science projects.
Building SEL into your daily routine not only enhances emotional support but also reinforces the importance of social-emotional learning as an integral part of education.
Social Emotional Learning Activities to Include
Here are some specific activities to look for in the social emotional curriculum for elementary school that you pick:
- Journals: Giving students a daily or weekly journal check in can be great SEL activity to include.
- Classroom Visuals: Classroom bulletin boards can make a wonderful display and visual tool to keep social emotional learning strategies top of mind for students.
- Songs: Incorporate short songs and movements during transitions or morning meeting – these are a fun way to help students reset and refocus.
- Crafts: Crafts are a wonderful social emotional learning activity that is highly engaging for students and can be done as independent work.
- Group Activities: Use group activities like anchor charts to build collaboration and collective problem-solving.
These activities create engaging opportunities for students to practice and apply SEL strategies in a supportive environment.
Social Emotional Learning Tips for Teachers
- Start Small: Incorporate SEL into one part of your routine, like morning meetings or closing circle time.
- Model Positive Behaviors: Show empathy, gratitude, and responsible decision-making in your interactions. Students learn by example!
- Make It Fun: Games, stories, and creative activities engage elementary students and make learning enjoyable.
- Lean on Evidence-Based Programs: Use trusted tools like the CASEL guide to find best practices and reliable programs.
- Be Consistent: Reinforce SEL skills throughout the school year to make them stick.
- Focus on Educational Equity: Adapt your approach to meet the diverse needs of your classroom. Every child’s voice matters.
- Collaborate: Work with fellow teachers, school counselors, and parents to create a consistent SEL experience for students.
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum For Elementary
Choosing the right social emotional curriculum for elementary school students can feel overwhelming, but it’s worth it. By focusing on SEL skills, teachers can foster emotional development, academic success, and supportive relationships that leave a lasting impression on young people.
With the right tools and strategies, you can create a positive impact that extends far beyond the classroom. SEL isn’t just about teaching soft skills; it’s about preparing students for life. And that, dear teachers, is the best gift you can give.
Ready to light the SEL fire in your classroom? Let’s make this school year the best one yet! 🔥
Which social emotional learning activities are you going to try out? Let me know in the comments! xoxo Laura
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