Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and How to Do It Right

What it Means for Parents and Educators

Success is never quite about academics or IQ. There is another major factor that we tend to ignore sometimes as we pursue success. EQ or Emotional Intelligence/ Quotient.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) allows children to grow up with the skills required to understand themselves and others, be sensitive to the emotional state of those they are dealing with and go through life with resilience and empathy. Wholesome adults with a high level of equanimity.

So, how do we impart Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), especially during early childhood?

What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)?

There are always avenues to learn, especially in the realm of social and emotional attributes. What makes understanding, managing emotions, setting positive goals, showing empathy for others, building strong relationships and making responsible decisions streamlined learning for both children and adults is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).  Thus, SEL is about helping students grow into kind, confident and self-aware individuals, both in and out of school. 

SEL Matters More Than Ever

The world is constantly changing and the children of today are exposed to a wide array of stimuli and distractions, expectations and pressures. To help them navigate through what may seem like a quagmire of situations not covered in books, SEL is meant to craft a toolkit for their sustenance:

• Stress and anxiety management
• Peaceful conflict resolution
• Building lasting relationships
• Self-discipline and motivation
• Informed, thoughtful and ethical decision making 

Safe to say, these are the life skills that help make the children of today into wholesome adults of tomorrow.

Read More:Why Moral Values Matter in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Core Competencies of SEL

SEL is built on the key pillars based on CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning:

• Self-awareness is the basis of recognising your emotions, strengths and values
• Self-management helps in regulating emotions, managing stress and working toward goals
• Social awareness comes with showing empathy, understanding social norms and embracing diversity
• Relationship skills are based on communicating clearly, cooperating and resolving conflict
• Responsible decision-making includes making ethical, constructive choices about behaviour and interactions

Read More: The Role of International Schools in Development of Students

Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood

A child is akin to a ball of clay, to be moulded into what they will become as adults. During the Early Years of education, a child is exposed to the foundations for emotional intelligence that will define their attributes as they grow older. They learn to:

• Identify emotions 
• Share and cooperate with peers
• Handle frustration and disappointment
• Respond to boundaries with growing self-control

It is at this stage that parents and teachers play a crucial role by offering constructive feedback, consistent emotional language and creating safe spaces where children feel seen and supported. The crucible of behaviour modeling. 

Read More: How to Teach Kids to Be Smart About Social Media?

How Parents Can Support SEL at Home

Home is the bedrock of safety and the first learning experiences that start a child’s journey into life. If we do it right with the following, we will have laid the foundation for an emotionally stable child ready to take on the challenges of life:

• Talk about emotions daily
• Model calm problem-solving
• Use books and stories
• Establish routines
• Praise effort, not just the outcome

Read More: Holistic Development in Children: Guide for Parents

How Schools Can Embed SEL in Learning

At forward-thinking institutions like Premia Academy, SEL is not an "add-on" but at the core of the educational journey with:

• Dedicated SEL time for reflection, journaling, or group sharing
• Circle time or class meetings for building classroom community
• Student-led initiatives that promote empathy and collaboration
• Mindfulness and breathing exercises before assessments
• Peer mentorship and conflict-resolution practices

The Long-term Impact of SEL

It has been studied that children with strong social and emotional skills tend to:

• Perform better academically
• Have healthier relationships
• More likely to succeed in future careers
• Less likely to experience behaviour issues

SEL helps shape not just better students, but better people.

In Conclusion, How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Learners

Your social and emotional skills are no longer an optional aspect of who you are, but a core component of the individual the world sees you as. The generations setting forth into the world of AI, climate uncertainty and agnostic global citizenship, SEL gives them the moral compass to remain true to themselves and thrive.

At Premia Academy, Social and Emotional Development is seamlessly woven into the curriculum. The learners are mentored to grow in empathy, awareness, and leadership; shaping not just their futures, but the world around them.

Nurturing minds and hearts together!