Studies show that children who have social-emotional skills, behave better, form better relationships and do well in school, according to an article by Edutopia
While Social Emotional Learning is not part of the curriculum in most schools,skills such as empathy, responsibility and resilience are also key to success.
What are Social-Emotional skills
Social Emotional Skills helps children learn how to express themselves in a positive way, as they are able to regulate and manage their emotions. Studies have found that social emotional skills can improve the behaviour of learners.
Why are these skills important in the foundation phase
Young children find it difficult to verbalise how they are feeling and social-emotional skills helps to build their self-confidence. When children have these skills, they are able to speak up for themselves and express their feelings in a positive way.
How do Social-Emotional Skills help learners build relationships
SPARK Carlswald Acting Principal, Karen Bull, says Social Emotional Learning allows children to engage in healthy relationships with others.
“Through social and emotional learning children can begin to understand concepts such as empathy which is one of the tools we teach scholars at SPARK as well as what it means to feel and show empathy for others,” Bull says.
Why should Social Emotional Learning be part of the curriculum in all schools?
At SPARK Schools Social-Emotional Learning(SEL) is integrated into the curriculum.
“I definitely think that social and emotional learning needs to be incorporated in all schools as it is a crucial learning component in any child’s development,” she says.
How can I use social-emotional skills at home?
Bull shares the following tips on how parents can use these skills at home.
Engage in conversations with your child where they reflect on different situations both positive and negative and foster discussions around this.
Establish Routines and explain the ‘why” behind such routines (you need to brush your teeth twice a day because this is a way of you taking care of yourself and making sure your teeth are healthy).
Celebrate and acknowledge your child’s successes and the things they are doing well.
Actively listen and be present when spending time with your child this not only shows you care but it also models how the child should engage with others.
Give your child your full attention when having a conversation and fully listen to what they say then they will also reciprocate this when they interact with others.
