An Integrated Approach to Fostering Social-emotional Learning

In this article “11 ways schools can – and should – involve families in SEL programming” by Leah Shafer and Stephanie Jones of the EASEL Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, offers practical insights for fostering social-emotional development of children. Cohen and associates (2005) define social-emotional development as the “child’s experience, expression, and management of emotions and the ability to establish positive and rewarding relationships with others”. The article includes ways in which schools can involve families in efforts to foster SEL, with the aim that when children are back home, parents can continue to build upon the SEL programing at school. These practical tips include focusing on children’s strengths, especially in academic areas or talking together about emotions. At the end of the day, as Stephanie Jones offers “Consistency is key when it comes to building these skills”.