​5 Reasons Why Social-Emotional Learning is Important

No matter what your opinion on education may be, you have to admit that the world has changed drastically in the last few decades. With technology and globalization rapidly growing at an unprecedented rate, it’s more important than ever that students learn how to live and work cooperatively with others.

Fortunately, there are many programs that can help students develop these skills, one of which is social-emotional learning (SEL).

​Here are five reasons why you should support SEL in your child’s education.

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1) Self-Regulation
Children need to learn self-regulation skills so they can express their feelings and handle situations without getting overly emotional. The ability to use their thoughts, instead of just reacting to a stimulus, helps children avoid mistakes and learn more efficiently. Self-regulation is an important thing for children to learn at an early age.

2) Improved Grades
When students experience social emotional learning they are better able to focus in school and experience an increase in grades. One of the main benefits is that it helps children stay focused on what's being taught in the classroom, instead of being distracted by anxiety or fear. With education being such a focus right now in today's society, it's important for all students to be educated on these aspects of life.

3) Emotional Intelligence 
When children are able to manage their emotions and not act on feelings of frustration, their overall self-esteem and relationship with peers improves. They’re able to make friends more easily, maintain better relationships with teachers and get involved in class projects. They’re also less likely to develop behaviors like depression or anxiety which impact cognitive skills. 

Social Emotional Learning helps kids take greater control over their thoughts and actions by understanding how people think and how to resolve disputes in a socially acceptable way.

4) Empathy
Social emotional learning also provides cognitive skills and strategies that help children develop empathy, so they can more easily identify other's feelings and manage their own. 
Additionally, developing self-awareness and the ability to regulate emotion builds personal responsibility, where kids can grow into adults who are better able to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

5) Prosocial behavior
Social emotional learning (SEL) supports prosocial behavior by encouraging empathy, strengthening social connections, promoting healthy and pro-social choices, establishing clear rules and expectations, fostering self-regulation skills, and boosting well-being.