Social-Emotional Learning: Why It’s Vital For Students

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has been getting a lot of attention in the media lately, especially as school districts are deciding how or when to open for in-person learning. While social-emotional skills, also known as soft skills, are vital to our students’ futures, you may be wondering which skills and behaviors you need to be looking for in your students.

CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) defines social-emotional learning as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

Aperture Education has developed 8 SEL competencies that are based on the CASEL framework for SEL and can be observed, measured, and improved in students. These definitions are based on information in the Aperture Education: SEL at Home project.

If you would like more information about teaching SEL skills at home, please take a look at the Aperture Education: SEL at Home program. Each article gives you suggestions to help your child master each SEL competency.