Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is integral to the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of a student. Schools provide a safe and secure environment for students to develop their social and emotional awareness, along with skills and strategies to ensure social and emotional wellbeing. SEL can also engage students in understanding what constitutes respectful relationships and how to achieve respectful relationships, both within oneself and with peers and the wider community. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) notes that promoting students’ social and emotional competency has direct and indirect influence on numerous scholastic factors including individual student’s attachment to school, better academic performance and success in school life.
SEL can be and should be taught explicitly via classroom instruction. SEL is relevant at all levels of the VELS and to all students. The KidsMatter website outlines that when taught effectively, SEL can develop student ability to recognise and manage emotions, show care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships and handle challenging situations effectively.
VELS links
SEL can be explicitly taught and developed in the classroom across various key learning areas including the Personal Learning and Health and Physical Education domains of the VELS. SEL can also improve learning capacity across various domains and key learning areas.
The Personal Learning domain of the VELS outlines that learners are most successful when they are mindful of themselves as learners and thinkers within a learning community. For more information, see: The Personal Learning Domain
The Health and Physical Education domain of the VELS explores the significant social and emotional changes involved in the development from childhood, through puberty and into adulthood and the effect these may have on a student’s relationship with themselves and others. Understanding these changes can help a student build skills for respectful relationships within themselves and with others. For more information, see: The Health and Physical Education Domain
More information
- CASEL - contains information, guidance and resources on SEL. The site also provides resources including implementation guidance, a school checklist, key research and literature, and professional development resources.
- KidsMatter - provides a component on SEL.
- REDI - whilst centred on drug information and resources, there is information and resources on SEL for early childhood and primary settings.