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WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING?

The process of learning how to understand and control emotions, set and achieve positive objectives, empathize with others while forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, and make moral decisions is known as social-emotional learning (SEL).


SEL is an educational strategy that considers all facets of a child's growth and wellbeing rather than just a set of abilities that need to be taught. It encompasses the improvement of one's capacity for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, interpersonal competence, and ethical decision-making.


Self-awareness, or the capacity to comprehend one's own emotions, thoughts, and how they affect behavior, is one of the fundamental elements of SEL. Self-aware kids are better at controlling their emotions, setting and achieving goals, and making moral choices.

Another essential element of SEL is Self-management, which is the capacity to regulate one's own emotions and behavior under various circumstances. Youngsters who have developed self-control are better able to maintain their attention on tasks, cope with stress and frustration, and make wise decisions.

Social awareness is the capacity to comprehend and value the opinions of others as well as to feel empathy and compassion for them. Youngsters that are socially conscious are better equipped to establish and sustain healthy connections as well as comprehend and value the diversity of their environment.


Relationship skills are the capacity to create and maintain wholesome relationships with others. Youngsters with strong interpersonal skills are better able to collaborate, solve problems, and communicate clearly.

Responsible decision-making is the ability to make choices that are consistent with one's own values and the well-being of others. Children who can make responsible decisions are better able to avoid risky behaviors, and to take actions that benefit themselves and others.

SEL is not only important for children's academic success but also for their overall well-being and future success in life. Studies have shown that children who receive SEL instruction have better academic performance, fewer behavioral problems, and better relationships with their peers and teachers.

SEL can be integrated into various aspects of education and can be incorporated into the curriculum through various methods such as classroom instruction, small group activities, and whole-school programs. SEL can also be integrated into after-school programs, summer programs, and community-based organizations.


Effective SEL programs are typically based on research, are culturally responsive, and are developmentally appropriate. They also involve active participation from parents, caregivers, and the community.

We at Saamarthya believe equipping teachers with the right skills and resources are essential for creating positive and inclusive environments in which children of all backgrounds and abilities can thrive.


To this end, Saamarthya Foundation has developed a comprehensive learning resource for teachers: the LEND (Learning Empathy Nurturing Diversity) Toolkit. This collection of activities, strategies, and resources helps educators foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment for all students with an emphasis on social-emotional learning.


The toolkit emphasizes empathy as a foundation for creating peaceful, productive, and positive spaces in schools. It covers four main themes:

  • Strengthening Identity

  • Understanding Emotions

  • Cultivating a Supportive Classroom

  • Developing a Growth Mindset

To know more about LEND, check out our website: https://www.saamarthya.org/service-page/lend-training and write to us if you have any questions on: info@saamarthya.org



SHORT SUMMARY: Social emotional learning (SEL) is an approach to education that involves important for children's academic success, overall well-being, all aspects of a child's development and well-being. It includes the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, are important for children's academic success, overall well-being, r important for children's academic success, overall well-being, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL is not only important for children's academic success but also for their overall well-being and future success in life. SEL can be integrated into various aspects of education, and it is important to be based on research, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate while involving active participation from parents, caregivers, and the community.

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