Simple Ways to Integrate Social-Emotional Learning Throughout the Day for Parents and Teachers
Children need social-emotional skills to help them understand their strengths and weaknesses, build their confidence, maintain positive relationships, and make better decisions. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a way to develop a child’s social and emotional competence (Oberle, E., & Schonert-Reichl, 2017). SEL also plays a key role in supporting kids with attention/deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities (Semrud-Clikeman, M., & Schafer, V., 2000).
As a supplementary treatment for ADHD, SEL provides a foundation for positive and safe learning. A study showed that social-emotional learning promotes learning achievement and improves school attitudes and performances. SEL may also reduce stress and depression among students (Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B., 2011).
Given these benefits, it is essential to support children’s mental and emotional health so they are better equipped to face life’s challenges. Parents, educators, health professionals and caregivers need to make time for teaching, discussing, and practicing SEL skills. Below are some simple ways one can integrate social-emotional learning in children’s daily activities.
Begin Each Day with a Greeting
Children need to develop the ability to make personal connections and build relationships. A simple strategy is starting the morning with a warm greeting. When conducting an online class, you can do virtual greetings.
Allow Time for Journal Writing
Give children a quiet time to journal and free-write. Let them express their thoughts and feelings on paper. Give them daily journal prompts to encourage reflection. Research showed that journaling may help individuals release tension, explore and deal with their emotions, and integrate their experiences (Travers, C., 2011). Children can also try doodling, scrapbooking, taking photos, or recording voice notes.
Hold a Class Meeting
Hold class meetings once a day or once a week to check in. Meetings address concerns, boost confidence, solve problems, and plan activities together. Having this space helps promote a positive climate and empowers students to voice their opinions.
Incorporate Daily Art Activities
Art is a powerful tool to target social and emotional skills. Encourage kids to express themselves through various art activities. Here are some projects that can be incorporated into a routine:
- Drawing to serve as coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
- Painting as an interpretation of thoughts, feelings, or music.
- Creating a self-collage to help develop better self-awareness.
Collaboration and positive relationships can be taught by pairing kids up and having them work together on a shared art project.
Give Children Responsibilities
Assign specific jobs or roles to kids. Giving responsibilities helps build self-worth and confidence and reinforces that they are part of a community.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
If a child has an issue, do not solve it for them immediately. Encourage them to figure out solutions. Practice problem-solving by giving scenarios and asking children to propose responses (for example, how to respond if they hear a peer say mean things to a friend).
Build Community through Collaboration
Teach teamwork and cooperation by having children work in pairs or teams to complete tasks, discuss topics, and present group conclusions. Team-building games also promote social skills.
Encourage Positive Self-Talk
Self-talk helps control feelings and deal with problems. Teach and encourage positive affirmations like “I choose to be kind and positive today,” “I am capable of doing great things,” and “I am strong and determined.”
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps children manage emotions, calm down, and be present. Incorporate simple breathing exercises and focus activities into routines. Relaxing activities include nature walks, calm music, or reading.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
Promote a growth mindset so children understand they can achieve goals through effort and persistence. Teach goal-setting (emotional, academic, social) and help children monitor progress to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Teaching social-emotional skills does not have to be daunting. Bringing SEL awareness to children helps them develop healthy coping abilities and better prepares them for their future. With a holistic approach, you can integrate SEL aspects into everyday teaching to support every child’s needs.
References
- Oberle, E., & Schonert-Reichl, K. A. (2017). Social and emotional learning: Recent research and practical strategies for promoting children’s social and emotional competence in schools. In Handbook of social behavior and skills in children (pp. 175-197). Springer, Cham.
- Semrud-Clikeman, M., & Schafer, V. (2000). Social and emotional competence in children with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Journal of Psychotherapy in Independent Practice, 1(4), 3-19.
- Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
- Travers, C. (2011). Unveiling a reflective diary methodology for exploring the lived experiences of stress and coping. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 79(1), 204-216.
