Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational approach that aims to develop in children and young people the skills needed to understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. It has evolved from extensive research in psychology, education, and neuroscience. However, CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) has been primarily responsible for structuring and formalizing SEL as an educational framework.
Foundations of Social and Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning theory holds that the development of emotional and social skills is just as essential as academic learning. This approach offers multiple benefits:
- Improved academic performance
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Healthier relationships
- Increased self-esteem and resilience
Applying this approach not only enhances emotional well-being, but also contributes to academic achievement by reducing stress factors and fostering a positive classroom environment.
Core areas of focus
According to Social and Emotional Learning theory, emotions and social interactions directly influence how children learn, face challenges, and relate to others. The five main areas of focus are:
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, thoughts, and personal values.
- Self-management: Managing emotions and behaviors in a positive way.
- Social awareness: Showing empathy and understanding different perspectives.
- Relationship skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Responsible decision-making: Choosing actions based on ethics and the well-being of all.
How to apply Social and Emotional Learning in childhood
Introducing social and emotional learning in childhood is essential for developing well-rounded individuals. Often, emotional and social aspects are overlooked because the focus remains on academic content established in the curriculum.
Today, it is important to introduce activities and routines both in the classroom and at home that allow children to develop emotional intelligence, helping them better understand themselves and relate more effectively to the world around them.
Applying Social and Emotional Learning in the classroom
SEL goals are more likely to be achieved when evidence-based approaches are used to engage all students. Effective SEL approaches typically incorporate four elements represented by the acronym SAFE:
- Sequenced: Connected and coordinated activities to foster skill development.
- Active: Use of active learning strategies to strengthen new skills.
- Focused: Dedicated time and attention to developing personal and social skills.
- Explicit: Clear focus on specific social and emotional skills.
Schools play a key role in children’s socioemotional development. Some classroom strategies include:
- Emotional check-in routines: At the beginning of the day, each child can share how they feel using tools such as an “emotion wheel.” Digital emotional journals like Daily Mood by Kokoro Kids can also be used.
- Stories and role-play: Reading stories where characters face emotional challenges and discussing how they manage them fosters empathy and decision-making.
- Calm corner: A space with sensory materials (stress balls, mandala coloring sheets, cushions) where children can self-regulate when needed.
- Collaborative projects: Group activities that promote communication, active listening, and conflict resolution.
- Mindfulness and conscious breathing: Simple techniques such as “bee breathing” help children calm down during stressful moments.
- Games and activities: Including activities focused on self-awareness and self-esteem is key to fostering emotional intelligence.
- Digital tools: The Kokoro Kids app integrates Social and Emotional Learning through games that help children manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and practice empathy. It promotes collaboration and teamwork in a safe environment, using technology to support self-regulation and holistic learning. The app includes a socioemotional category with games such as emotion sudoku, emotion bingo, and tic-tac-toe with emotions, among others.
Application at home
Families also play a crucial role in teaching socioemotional skills. How can this be done?
- Validate emotions: Instead of saying, “Don’t cry,” acknowledge the emotion: “I see you’re feeling sad. Would you like to talk about it?”
- Model self-control: Show children how to manage stress or frustration in healthy ways.
- Teach conflict resolution: Rather than immediately intervening in sibling arguments, guide dialogue so they can find solutions together.
- Use digital resources: Apps like Kokoro Kids include games that teach emotions and social skills in an interactive way.
- Play: Play is one of the most effective forms of learning. Through games, children can work on recognizing, identifying, and validating emotions. Printable games and downloadable activities can also support emotional intelligence development.
In conclusion
Applying Social and Emotional Learning approach in childhood is an investment in children’s emotional and social well-being. Every environment can be an opportunity for children to learn how to manage emotions, develop empathy, and build healthy relationships. Integrating this approach into early education not only enhances children’s emotional development but also prepares them to become more resilient and self-aware adults.
At Kokoro Kids, we believe in the power of play to strengthen social and emotional learning. Would you like to discover how our app helps children develop these skills in a fun way?