So a few years ago our Ontario Government implement a slew of changes to our curriculum. One of the many changes was an insert to our report cards that specifically relates to Social and Emotional Learning. We have yet to actually implement some kind of letter grade to this particular addition. It has raised a lot of questions among colleagues. What exactly does this term mean and how we could best support our students in this journey.

First of all we have been fostering the concept of Social Emotional Learning all along.

Until recently it was most known as Growth Mindset. We coined this term a while ago and the focus was to encourage students to try, explore, be positive and grow. This was achieved through rich literature, great story books, videos, peer interactions and adult supports, as needed. We talked about perseverance and tenacity regularly and related it to real life situations.

Overcoming the challenges that would inevitably be there (such is life right?) was essential teaching. This was taught by giving strategies on how to get around these challenges and have the best possible outcomes. We know that it only takes one single human cheering you on to make a difference. It’s also something to note that it doesn’t matter who that human is, friend, neighbour, teacher, family member. We just need one person to tell us that we can be successful. Deep inside that little seed is planted and starts to grow telling us that we are worthy of love, respect and great things. Soon we even start to believe that truth for ourselves.

The Second Real Truth about this Social Emotional Learning Business.

We know that in order for students to be successful long term that positive self-talk is essential. This is the talk that no one hears. The whisper in our ears when we are making decisions about whether or not we can move forward with a want, goal or dream. We also know that with a positive mindset and good intrinsic self-talk our students are going to build and maintain the foundation of self-confidence to get them over the finish line in this life.

Whatever that looks like individually, they will be able to go their own personal distance to achieve success. On the opposite end of the spectrum if our students have low confidence and negative self-talk it can quickly lead to failure. Creating situations where our students are too afraid to try, so, they never do. So how do we foster Social Emotional Learning that leads to our students best outcomes?

Number 1: Give opportunities to try and fail in a safe space.

Make your classroom a place where mistakes are a good thing. Convince your students that mistakes are how we learn and grow, because isn’t that the absolute truth. In Grade One, high school, Teachers College, practicums, first classrooms, year twelve classrooms… forever. I have always considered myself a life long learner. I purposefully change my routine, my assignment, my life every few years to keep myself relevant, learning, and challenged. Not everyone loves change but I personally thrive on it. I’m convinced it’s because I never want to feel like I’m done, because what then?

This same premise should be common ideals that we instil in our youth. Hard work, loyalty, sacrifice, self-worth we deserve to feel these things for ourself. We need to have the ability to know that life is meant to feel lived.

Last but Never Least. Social Emotional Learning really just means self-love.

Too many times our young students don’t feel worthy of greatness. Don’t desire to achieve it or don’t believe it is possible. This is where care must come into place that our ideals are not to have compliance and uniformity but rather a fostering of individual strengths and talents. We do not need to be farming sheep. We want to pull greatness from our students. Inside each of them it is there just waiting to be found.

So on that note, I am certain all teachers use these strategies regularly. We do it without even thinking about it. This I am certain because we love our students and want nothing but the best for them. Wishing you a life of never ending learning.

With Love, C.

If you are interested in more Social Emotional Learning ideas and blog posts check out my post on building confidence in young readers right here. 🙂