How to Support Students’ Well-Being with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

In today’s educational landscape, success isn’t defined solely by academic achievement. While foundational subjects like math, science, and literacy remain critical, students also need to develop the skills necessary to manage their emotions, build meaningful relationships, and collaborate effectively. As the world becomes more interconnected, students who are equipped with strong emotional and interpersonal skills are better prepared to navigate challenges, engage with diverse perspectives, and succeed in an increasingly complex society. 

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) provides students with a structured approach to developing these vital competencies. SEL focuses on helping children hone soft skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making. As students gain these abilities, they not only improve their personal well-being but also build a stronger sense of social responsibility. Research shows that schools implementing SEL programs often witness improvements in both academic performance and interpersonal relationships.

However, SEL doesn’t end at the school gates. Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing these lessons at home by creating affirming, supportive environments where children can continue to practice and apply their emotional and social skills. This article will explore what SEL entails, how it works in practice to foster well-being, and how teachers and parents can collaborate to ensure children develop the emotional and social foundation they need to succeed.

How to Support Students’ Well-Being with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

• What Is Social and Emotional Learning?
• Implementing SEL in the Classroom
  • Explicit SEL Lessons
  • Embedding SEL into Academic Subjects
• Creating Routines that Promote Connection
• Using Restorative Practices for Conflict Resolution
• Integrating Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Techniques
• Supporting SEL at Home
  • Modeling Emotional Regulation
  • Encouraging Open Communication
  • Practicing Empathy and Perspective-Taking
  • Incorporating Family Routines That Reinforce SEL
  • Supporting Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills
• SEL at Stamford American International School

What Is Social and Emotional Learning?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which students develop essential emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and self-awareness needed to succeed both in school and in life. Through SEL, students learn to recognize and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible, thoughtful decisions. These skills not only contribute to personal well-being but also enhance academic performance by fostering a more focused, cooperative, and supportive learning environment.

The framework for SEL is typically organized around five key competencies:

• Self-Awareness – Students develop the ability to recognize their emotions, thoughts, and values, and understand how these influence their actions and behaviors.
• Self-Management – This competency focuses on helping students learn to regulate their emotions, set and achieve personal goals, and stay motivated even in the face of challenges.
• Social Awareness – Through SEL, students gain the ability to empathize with others, appreciate diverse perspectives, and show respect for people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Relationship Skills – These skills enable students to build and maintain healthy, positive relationships, using effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution strategies.
• Responsible Decision-Making – SEL encourages students to think carefully about their choices by considering both their own well-being and the impact of their actions on others, fostering responsible and ethical decision-making.

Implementing SEL in the Classroom

Teachers play a pivotal role in fostering students’ emotional and social growth. To effectively implement SEL, it’s essential to integrate SEL principles into everyday classroom practices, rather than treating it as a standalone subject. Below are several strategies teachers use to nurture emotionally healthy and socially competent students.

Explicit SEL Lessons

Teachers often provide structured lessons that focus on helping students identify emotions, set personal goals, and resolve conflicts. These lessons may involve role-playing, group discussions, or journaling exercises, all aimed at building emotional awareness and self-regulation.

Embedding SEL into Academic Subjects

SEL principles can be seamlessly incorporated into academic lessons. For example, teachers can explore emotions and ethical dilemmas in literature or history classes by analyzing characters’ choices and feelings. Group projects in subjects like math and science also provide opportunities to practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Creating Routines That Promote Connection

Establishing routines such as morning meetings or emotional check-ins can help students begin their day in a positive and connected way. These practices foster an environment where students feel safe and supported, encouraging open communication and a sense of belonging.

Using Restorative Practices for Conflict Resolution

Rather than focusing on punishment, restorative practices aim to repair relationships by encouraging students to reflect on their actions and understand the impact on others. Techniques like mediation circles help students resolve conflicts in a way that restores trust and strengthens interpersonal connections.

Integrating Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation Techniques

Mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing, guided visualizations, or quiet reflection can help students manage stress, stay focused, and maintain emotional balance. Teachers often use these techniques during transitions or after intense activities to encourage calmness and promote a focused learning environment.

Supporting SEL at Home

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing the emotional and social skills that children learn at school. By creating a nurturing home environment, parents can help children apply these lessons in real-world situations. Here are several ways parents can actively support SEL in everyday family life:

Modeling Emotional Regulation

Children often mimic how adults handle emotions. Parents who manage stress calmly—such as staying composed during a difficult conversation or while juggling a busy schedule—teach children healthy ways to cope with emotions. It’s also helpful for parents to explain their actions. For instance, saying, “I felt frustrated, so I took a deep breath to calm down,” allows children to understand how to regulate their own feelings.

Encouraging Open Communication

Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for children to express their feelings helps build trust and emotional awareness. Regular family check-ins or mealtime conversations provide children with the opportunity to share their experiences, express concerns, or celebrate successes. These conversations help children feel heard and encourage them to articulate their thoughts more clearly.

Practicing Empathy and Perspective-Taking

Activities that encourage children to consider different perspectives help build empathy. For example, reading stories with diverse characters or discussing different viewpoints on current events can help children understand how others feel. Parents can further develop empathy by asking reflective questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What could you do to make someone feel better?” These questions encourage children to think outside their own experiences and develop compassion for others.

Incorporating Family Routines That Reinforce SEL

Family routines that align with SEL principles can help children strengthen their emotional skills. For instance, practicing gratitude together by sharing something each family member is thankful for promotes positivity and self-awareness. Evening reflections, where children talk about challenges or successes from their day, can foster problem-solving and emotional growth.

Supporting Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills

Allowing children to participate in everyday decision-making helps them build confidence and critical thinking skills. This could involve planning a family outing together or resolving minor conflicts, such as sibling disagreements, by discussing fair solutions. Parents can guide children through the decision-making process, encouraging them to consider different outcomes before making choices.

SEL at Stamford American International School

 At Stamford American International School, we make Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) a cornerstone of our curriculum and extracurricular activities, showcasing our commitment to holistic education. Our goal is to create a holistic learning environment where emotional and social growth is just as important as academic success. With over 79 nationalities and small class sizes, it allows us to deliver personalized attention, ensuring each student thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Additionally, we encourage our students to engage in community-building events and collaborative projects that promote SEL principles both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the core components of our SEL initiatives is the Second Step social program, which is designed to help students from Pre-K through Grade 5 develop essential life skills. This research-based program focuses on building the competencies central to SEL, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and positive relationship-building. It also plays a pivotal role in bullying prevention, creating a secure and inclusive atmosphere for all students at Stamford American. 

We invite parents and educators who are interested in learning more about Stamford’s SEL approach to explore our program, visit our campus, and experience the supportive and nurturing environment we strive to provide. Our admissions team is happy to assist with any questions or further information to help you make the best decision for your child’s education.