Social Emotional Learning Competencies You Should Know
I wish to express how incredibly fortunate I feel to have been chosen to be the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator and Counselor for the Meadowridge school community. To help you understand the areas I’ll be focusing on, I thought I’d share some information about SEL with you.
SEL competencies include the following:
SELF-AWARENESS: the ability to recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviour. As we process the current pandemic and school starting up again, self-awareness is critical to identifying and processing our complex emotions.
SELF- MANAGEMENT: the ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in different situations – effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself.
SOCIAL AWARENESS: the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures; to understand social and ethical norms of behaviour; and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.
RELATIONSHIP SKILLS: the ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups, communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.
RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING: the ability to make constructive choices about personal behaviour and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms; and the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.
Social Emotional Learning skill development can increase optimism, confidence, and agency in our life.
SEL IDEA for SEPTEMBER:
In September, it’s always a good idea to start anew and set some goals for ourselves. At the dinner table (or in the car) you may wish to discuss one another’s goals including academics, work, sport, health (physical, mental, emotional), relationships, creativity, and fun. Try to encourage specificity.
Once some dreams/goals have been shared – it’s always a good idea to write them down and stick them on a wall or the fridge (as a reminder).
Have a super start to the school year and I look forward to connecting with you in the near future!
Jodi Derkson, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator and Counselor
Jodi.derkson@meadowridge.bc.ca