Social Emotional Learning improves both the school and class climate. Children and young adults need to feel safe, respected and supported to do their best. Integrating SEL into your classroom encourages all these things and more, thus helping to create a more positive learning community.

It increases student motivation. Children want to do better when they feel good about themselves, their teachers, and school. Integrating skills for Social Emotional Learning can help encourage learners to be themselves, feel more accepted, work towards goals, be willing to take risks, and just love learning. More motivation is always a good thing.

This method teaches problem-solving skills. Learners need strong problem-solving skills in all areas of life. A benefit to Social Emotional Learning is that much of it focuses on managing situations and problems in everyday life. For example, what can you do if you get stuck on a math problem? If you get in a fight with a friend, how might you handle it? What could you say if someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do?

Social Emotional Learning reduces student behavioural problems. So often, behavioural problems are the result of skill deficits. According to Ross Greene, kids do well when they can. Once we teach skills for problem-solving, working with others, and managing emotions, we will likely see student behaviour improve.

It assists students in setting and meeting their goals. A big part of self-management is creating specific and measurable goals for the future. Goal setting is essential in all areas of life, whether someone is making a goal to improve their math or identifying steps to get their dream job.

This method creates a space to talk about mental health. Mental health is extremely important and often not talked about enough. Talking about Social Emotional Learning gives children the freedom to discuss their feelings, thoughts, and needs. It should be healthy to talk about mental health.