We feel, therefore we learn

 

Social-emotional learning in the classroom has changed the way many teachers approach everything.

‘We feel, therefore we learn’

Learning is shaped by our experiences. Experiences are caused by external stimuli that are perceived by our senses and communicated to our brain for processing. However, the journey of our experience is not as simple as it might seem. Social-emotional learning helps children develop positive self-esteem, manage their emotions, set and achieve goals, show empathy for others, and handle stress.

“There is no separation of mind and emotions; emotions, thinking, and learning are all linked.” — Eric Jensen

Teachers can integrate social-emotional learning into the learning environment by...

Help students identify their self-concept:

Self-awareness is important because when we have a better understanding of ourselves, we are able to experience ourselves as unique and separate individuals. We are then empowered to make changes and to build on our areas of strength as well as identify areas where we would like to make improvements.

 Introduce positive actions for body and mind

Educators can introduce positive actions for intellectual health during any subject by encouraging problem-solving and creative thinking. Emphasizing positive physical and intellectual health as part of emotional learning helps students establish good habits to set them up for a lifetime of success.

Teach students to manage their feelings and their resources

Students must learn how to manage their thoughts and feelings to help foster positive behavior. Integrating SEL in the classroom includes teaching students how to manage not just their thoughts, feelings, and actions, but also their Time, Energy, Possessions, Skills. By doing so, students will gain a sense of responsibility that improves their self-concept and boosts their self-esteem.

Teach empathy

Treat others how you would like to be treated. Today, empathy plays a key role in social-emotional learning in the classroom. As students learn how to manage their feelings and reactions, they can learn how to treat others with kindness and respect.

Teach students to face the truth:

Teach children about telling the truth – to prepare them for real life situations when truthfulness is important:

Help students practice self-improvement strategies

Once students identify their weaknesses and learn to own up to their mistakes, they can focus on self-improvement.A growth mindset, or understanding that everyone can learn new skills, plays a key role in knowing how to successfully implement social emotional leanring.

Positive thoughts lead to positive actions, which lead to positive feelings, which, in turn, create more positive thoughts.Encourage young people to talk about how they are feeling. Give young people the time and space to express their emotions.Value the young person and offer ‘direct praise’ by commenting on the actual behaviour rather than just a general comment as it will mean more to the young person.Make sure young people have a healthy balance of activity and rest. Too much activity can cause a young person to become exhausted and run down. Too much rest can cause a young person to lose motivation and become even more lethargic.Continue to support young people and help guide them to manage decisions and risks well, but allow them to make mistakes that are not too risky. This will help them to learn how to negotiate life and the challenges they will face.