Due to an increase in anxiety among students today, there is currently a shift in how educators and child development experts think about the skills students need to be successful in school and in life. Some researchers now suggest that a child’s success or failure isn’t only determined by cognitive skills, as once thought.  Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills, or those most related to character, including grit, optimism and self-awareness, are other important contributors to student success.

CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) an organization based at the University of Illinois, defines Social Emotional Learning as: 

“Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

Here’s what the research says,” Social-emotional learning isn’t just a feel-good activity. It’s not psychotherapy or an attempt to parent kids. Nor is it a substitute for core academic subjects such as math, science, or literacy. Instead, SEL concepts provide an extra dimension to education, focusing on improving cooperation, communication, and decision making. In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, SEL gives students a framework for developing these skills.” 

 In response to this recent research, many schools are incorporating SEL opportunities to address issues such as setting goals, addressing bullies, and coping with stress and anxiety.  Second Step is a research-based program that is designed to address these issues in an easy, low-stress environment.  Second Step lessons are brief (about 20 minutes) activities that students participate in each week.  To learn more about the Second Step program, you can visit the links below to the Middle School Scope and Sequence and Second Step website.