Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

What is SEL ?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults
acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to:

● Understand and manage emotions
● Set and achieve positive goals
● Feel and show empathy for others
● Establish and maintain positive relationships
● Make responsible decisions

Why is SEL Necessary ?

● Better academic performance: achievement scores an average of 11 percentile
points higher than students who did not receive SEL instruction
● Improved attitudes and behaviors: greater motivation to learn, deeper
commitment to school, increased time devoted to schoolwork, and better
classroom behavior;
● Fewer negative behaviors: decreased disruptive class behavior, noncompliance,
aggression, delinquent acts, and disciplinary referrals; and
● Reduced emotional distress: fewer reports of student depression, anxiety, stress,
and social withdrawal.

How can we implement SEL ?

● From preschool right up through college,
learning must be stretched to meet the needs
and interests of the whole child.
● For younger children, play is a vital part of
their development and should be encouraged
through curriculum that promotes active, and
creative learning through imaginative play.
● Educational curriculum through
adolescence must include social-emotional
learning so kids can develop self-awareness, self-management, social
awareness, and relationship skills.
● During high-school and into college, curriculum should promote the whole
student through developing individual experiences, thoughts, feelings, and
opinions.

RESOURCES

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
https://www.nctsn.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness NH
https://www.naminh.org/

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
https://casel.org/

New Hampshire Family Voices Lending Library
http://nhfv.org/how-we-can-help/lending-library/

Bureau of Student Wellness: NH DOE
https://www.nhstudentwellness.org/

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Suicide Prevention Resource Center
https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
https://www.samhsa.gov/