This week I will discover just how beneficial SEL is when it comes to students success in the classroom, life long benefits, as well as benefits for teachers in addition to students.

My main questions to explore this week include:

• How Does SEL improve student learning?
• What Are The Life Long Benefits of SEL?
• How Does SEL in The Classroom Benefit Teachers?

1: How Does SEL Improve Student Learning?

Creating an environment that allows students to feel safe and comfortable expressing their emotions, as well as fostering communication, collaboration and socialization, ultimately provides students a space to excel in their education since they are able to open up and focus on their schooling. Students that struggle with stress, anxiety, learning challenges or social challenges, may find it hard to navigate a classroom as it is; however, with the integration of social emotional learning, students are provided with the tools they need to not only understand themselves more in-depth, but also understand and work more productively with others.

Firstly, increasing discussion about emotions and feelings, is a great opportunity for students to explore their own personal feelings and emotions. This can include stress and anxiety; therefore, by opening these communication lines and enabling resources to be more available in the classroom, students have been found to feel less stressed in the classroom environment.

In addition, social-emotional learning can lead to students overall having a more positive attitude regarding school. Giving them the space to feel comfortable and heard, ultimately provides a safe space where they want to be.

Overall, social-emotional learning is creates a sense of community and enables kindness within the classroom through the discovery of empathy and the exploration of communication and collaboration.

2. Life Long Benefits of SEL

According to CalmClassroom.org, students that are exposed to Social Emotional Learning in the classroom for the majority of their education, are more likely to:

• Graduate from high school
• Have higher emotional well-being
• Be free from, or be able to cope with, mental health problems
• Succeed in their chosen careers
• Have positive relationships with family members and coworkers
• Avoid criminal and other risky behaviour
• Be resilient against the effects of traumatic experiences

In summary, through the development of essential social and emotional skills, students are better prepared to face the challenges of both school and life, ultimately leading to improved overall educational outcomes.

3. How Does SEL Benefit Teachers?

As we have explored, Social Emotional Learning is extremely beneficial for students in many different aspects; however, I was curious to look into how incorporating SEL into daily classroom routines can ultimately can benefit teachers as well as students.

As educators, SEL is just as impactful and beneficial to us as it is to our students. If we as teachers have established a safe and comfortable environment for students, as well as help them understand their emotions and feelings, we form a bond with the student as they begin to learn they can trust us.

Some ways SEL benefits teachers include:

• Enhanced Classroom Management: Teachers that have an in-depth understanding of SEL, are better equipped to manage classroom behaviour and create a positive learning environment.
• Stronger bonds with students: SEL ultimately creates a more positive environment; therefore, students are encouraged to open up to their teachers, and as a result create a stronger bond.
• Increased Communication Skills: Social Emotional Learning provides teachers with stronger communication skills.Teachers who improve their communication skills can interact more constructively with students, parents, and colleagues, leading to better working relationships and support networks.
• Reducing Stress and Burnout: SEL can help teachers manage their own stress and emotions. By learning how to cope with stress, practice self-care, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, teachers are less likely to experience burnout.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: SEL encourages collaboration and teamwork, which can benefit teachers within their staff. Educators who have strong SEL skills are more likely to work together effectively, share resources, and support each other in their roles. Teamwork makes the dream work!

And many more!!

In conclusion, SEL benefits teachers as well by equipping us with the skills and tools needed to create a positive and effective teaching environment. Ultimately, SEL contributes to a healthier and more positive environment for all within it!

SOURCES:
https://blog.calmclassroom.com/sel-essential-help-students-succeed
https://www.eduporium.com/blog/eduporium-weekly-edtech-and-its-place-in-social-emotional-learning/
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta