Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an aspect of a child’s education that is integral in supporting academic success. Though Ohio has developed a set of SEL standards, SEL is not a subject like math, reading, history, or science. While it may be addressed directly, SEL skills can be infused throughout the instructional day. The five social emotional competencies addressed are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and making responsible decisions.
When SEL is incorporated into the school day, students learn to set goals, show empathy, communicate, cooperate, manage emotions, and resolve conflicts and more. When SEL is part of the instructional day, an environment is created that supports student learning and academic success. Further, these skills have been noted by businesses as important in their employees being successful. It is what they look for in their hiring practices.
Social Emotional Learning is extremely important for teaching students critical life skills. As students learn to control and positively channel their emotions, understand others and their different perspectives, and become proficient at making sound decisions, the better poised they are to become positive, productive citizens and contributors to their communities.
Resources from AFT’s Share My Lesson
- SEL Subject Page
- SEL Activities for Elementary
- SEL collection for Middle & High School
- Creating an Affirmative Space for All
- Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Practice Webinars
- All Share My Lesson content related to SEL
Resources from the Ohio Department of Education
- Each Child, Our Future: Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education
- Ohio’s K-12 Social and Emotional Learning Standards
Resources from the U.S. Department of Education
- Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral and Mental Health Needs
- National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments – SEL
SEL Blog Posts from OFT Members
- Five Ways To Integrate Social and Emotional Learning in Your Classroom by Jillian Ahrens, Cleveland Teachers Union member
- Mounting Grief at School: One Counselor’s Story by Julie Taylor, Oregon City Federation of Teachers member
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
- CASEL’s Home Page
- The CASEL Program Guide to Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs.
- Fundamentals of SEL
- Systemic Implementation
- Upcoming CASEL Events and Webinars