Social and emotional behavior of students programs are in schools and have been for many years. Teaching students to control their emotions, sympathize with others, and make good decisions. Many states adopted standards for social and emotional learning in the classroom. However, many parents push back against it as part of the curriculum. Parents say it takes away from academics. Educators say that when students struggle to manage their emotions, they struggle to be independent thinkers and decision-makers.
Social and Emotional Learners
Many students in the upper-grade levels do not think independently compared to several years ago. They cannot speak up for themselves, nor do they take responsibility for their learning. This affects their progress outside of the classroom. Students must understand their skills and abilities. They must learn to work through conflicts.
Students must learn to speak up for themselves. They lack self-confidence and the ability to ask for help when needed. Students would rather have their parents talk to a teacher who addresses a problem themselves.
Teachers and Social and Emotional Help
Social and emotional (SEL) development depends on self-awareness, positive attitudes, social interaction, and accountable decisions. Building SEL into the classroom routine takes little effort.
- Provide emotion cards for students to show their feelings first thing in the morning. Give students a chance to talk when necessary.
- Create social opportunities with group activities or with pair-share discussions. Emphasize positive reactions.
- Acknowledge students when kindness is shown.
- Model social-emotional language.
- Journaling allows students to express themselves either in writing or pictures.
- Allow a student to be calm in a specified area of the room.
- Teach goal setting.
- Model and encourage kindness.
More Than Academics
Providing students with nonacademic skills is essential for their success. For students to succeed, they need to understand their abilities and skills. They must manage their actions, communicate effectively to others, negotiate dilemmas, be responsible for their decisions, and show empathy to others.
Many teachers feel the stress of managing student behavior. By the end of the day, they are emotionally and physically exhausted. Their well-being affects the learning environment. Developing social and emotional skills creates a positive and pleasant climate, which reduces teacher and student stress.
