Importance of Social Emotional Learning in kids

Long back Aristotle very aptly said, ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.’ It simply implies that the goal of an effective and efficient education system is not just imparting knowledge of subjects but to provide right conduct, appropriate behaviour and a sound thoughtful mind. 

Way back in 1960’s the concept of Social and Emotional Learning was implemented in a child study centre which focussed on social and emotional needs of teenagers. It was studied that the impact and progress after the implementation of socio-emotional learning was phenomenal and the results were more than satisfactory. But before we get ahead with the impact of Social Emotional learning on children, let us briefly understand exactly what is learning through social and emotional components. 

Social and Emotional needs are prevalent even in toddlers. They are keen observers of the activities around them. They eventually develop skills which cater to their social and emotional needs. This gets us to the concept of social-emotional literacy.  Acquiring appropriate social and emotional skills is as important as learning Math, English or Science. 

Social –Emotional skills has an indepth mechanism which works on self awareness along with social awareness, self and relationship management grounded with appropriate decision making. Here, we talk about developing an optimistic attitude right from the beginning with awareness of one’s feelings and thoughts and developing a strong school-parent- community relationship. Man as we know is a social animal and his attitude towards his various relationships has a great impact on his life. Responsible decision making and problem solving attitude is a skill which can be attained through Social and Emotional literacy. 

Hence, Social and Emotional Learning is imparting and integrating these skills in school curriculum. Various methods and practices are implemented in the school which help students to cope up with emotional and social stress which is a part and parcel of age. They are taught to deal with peer pressure, parenting problems and attention issues through activities and play. This improves their mental stability and evidently shows in their grades.  

As school is the first and primary social circle, social and emotional leaning at school has an intensely stronger impact on their thought process. They can very productively manage themselves, understand prospective of others, handle their problems more maturely and eventually develop a positive attitude. These children turn out to be achievers and leaders. They show early signs of self motivation and a balanced mind set. 

A child requires assistance to nurture their social and emotional development, a school to give enough opportunities to build on these key skills through varied activities across the spectra. Edsmart’s integrated 360 degree curriculum has curated many activities around social and emotional development to build on these key skills and many children and schools are benefitting from this curriculum. 

Social and Emotional learning in classrooms has proved to improve the school environment. Children learn to survive in the real world through emotional competence. So now they perform better in a team, manage time wisely and communicate effectively. SEL has a very profound impact in shaping the personality of a child and moulding them into responsible citizens for a better community and a better world.