Nurture student success through social and emotional learning

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for students' holistic development, and the role of families in this process cannot be overstated. This blog post explores the fundamentals of SEL, offering practical strategies for engaging families to bolster their child's development of social and emotional skills. By fostering strong home-school connections, educators can create a supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom. 
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Additionally, we are excited to introduce our latest FASTalk content offering designed to provide families with right-size information about SEL. Join us as we explore effective practices and innovative tools to empower students through collaborative SEL efforts between educators and families.

What is social and emotional learning?

CASEL defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as “an integral part of education and human development. It is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” In short, it is an essential skill set that students need to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Families and teachers play an integral role in helping children develop these critical skills. 

CASEL offers a framework for SEL that enables families, schools, and districts to align around a common language, and foster knowledge, skills and attitudes across five areas of competence. The five competencies are;

• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness
• Relationship skills
• Responsible Decision-Making

​The framework also highlights the role of teachers, school leaders, and families in supporting the development of these essential skills. 

Inviting families to support SEL: practical tips and strategies

Families are experts in their child and are a key resource for teachers to better understand the needs of each student and support their social and emotional development inside and outside of the classroom. Indeed, the CASEL Framework highlights that when families and schools partner in authentic ways, they can ensure that SEL is taught in a culturally responsive way that affirms the assets, identities, and diversity that students bring to school. 
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Our experience working with teachers and families across the country has revealed that students are set up for success when social and emotional needs are supported - both at home and at school.  We’ve gathered some practical tips and high-impact strategies along the way:

• Family communication and engagement should be asset-based and welcome families into the learning process. 
• Authentic teacher-family relationships are established with consistent exchange of information. This is bolstered by two-way communication. 
• Ensure your communication is accessible for families.. Limit the use of jargon, especially when it comes to social-emotional skills. Consider using communication tools that provide automated translation into families’ home language.
• Share the information that families want - right-sized information about what’s happening in the classroom and learning-focused prompts they can use with their child outside of school.

We're now offering SEL content for families for PK-8th grade

In addition to our literacy and math learning tips and activities, we are excited to offer FASTalk messages aligned with key social and emotional competencies. This new SEL content equips families with the critical information they need to support skills related to relationship-building, self-regulation, and decision-making. The messages include conversation starters, routines to try, and reflection opportunities. These tips make it easy for families to practice important skills together to strengthen their children's social and emotional growth. 
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Here are some sample FASTalk messages aligned to Self-Management and Self-Awareness competencies: 

• Monday: When your child feels angry or frustrated, talk about ways to calm down, like taking slow, deep breaths or getting a glass of water.
• Wednesday: Ask your child: What helps you calm down when you feel upset? If they need ideas, show them what it looks like to take 10 deep breaths.
• Monday: This week, focus on boosting your child's confidence! Ask them to list 3 things they're proud of, such as a skill, talent, or personal quality. Ex: "I'm good at drawing," or "I'm a good friend."
• Wednesday: Recognizing your child's strengths builds self-esteem. At dinner or in the car, share a specific compliment that highlights your child's unique personality!

Learn more about our SEL content and how to bring FASTalk messages to your school.

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