User:Jmaceducation1/Social-emotional learning

Social-emotional Learning
Most students need to feel connected to instructors for optimal learning. Aside from being present and hearing our students we need to be willing to listen to what they are saying. There are often misconceptions in schools today concerning the topic of inclusion. As educators and administrators, it is important to remember that being fair is not always being equal. Some students need more or less support and all students need opportunities to practice proper SEL skills regularly.

Social-emotional learning fosters empathy and compassion is imperative for a successful school that effectively supports the mental wellbeing of staff and students. Speaking on the importance of empathy, Molecular Biologist John Medina believes that the more empathy training everyone (students and teachers) get, the better the grades will become. He shares that it’s all about making the classroom feel like a safe place for students to learn.

SEL Programs in Schools and Sports
Studies have shown that programs such as SPARK have been a successful tool for schools with a diverse population to introduce and encourage Social-emotional learning skills. Research has also shown that sports offer prime opportunities for youth to practice SEL skills authentically. Sports often offer opportunities for each of CASELs core competencies to be tested in a real way. It can be assumed then, that athletes with these specific set of skills will help to build sports environments that are more rewarding and valuable for all participants.

Cultural Relevance in SEL programs
There is a need for SEL practices and programs to be created in a way that they can be applicable to students of all cultures. Students need to see themselves and their families in these situations in order to have the long-term impact desired.

SEL in Canadian Schools
There are alarming statistics of Canadian children and youth who suffer from mental anguish today. Mental health promotion and prevention is key for the solution to this ongoing problem. Implementing programs that support the components of Social-emotional learning would support the movement to a better and brighter future of mental health for the children and youth in Canada.