Some teachers love it and some teachers are not a fan…. It’s SEL: Social-Emotional Learning. I know what you’re thinking, “NO! Not another thing that I need to do or teach in my classroom! I already have enough to do and we’re so behind…” I get it.

Social Emotional Learning is more important than you may think.

With a good SEL program in place, it makes everything easier in the classroom.

Here are 10 benefits of social-emotional learning in the classroom.

1. Social-emotional learning sets students up for academic success.

The point of SEL is not all feel goodery butterflies and rainbows. The reason SEL exists is because students need social and emotional support so that they can be their best academically. If a student is dealing with an issue at home, or a conflict with another student in class, then that can set them back. But if there is a good program in place that helps the student manage their emotions, and properly address the conflict, it will save you time and increase their success.

2. Social-emotional learning is made to foster a better overall classroom community.

One of the main goals of various SEL programs is to connect the classroom in positive and empathic ways. When the whole community buys into being a team, there is less competition and more kindness and fun. Many programs include short classroom meetings where students get to share and problems are addressed by the whole community. Everyone matters and everyone is one the same team.

3. Social-emotional learning saves valuable teaching time, and is a form of classroom management.

What kind of SEL program do you want? What grades are you teaching? What are your biggest challenges in the classroom? These are the type of questions you need to ask when choosing a program. Many programs have built in ways to manage the classroom. Others may just focus on character development. What is it that your students need? And you’ll find a way to fit it in.

4.Social-emotional learning helps kids with better decision making.

Whether you decide to focus on character development, bullying, or empathy, evidenced based SEL programs teach kids to make better decisions. At the same time it teaches them to be kinder to themselves and others when they do make mistakes.

5. Social-emotional learning can curb behavioral problems.

What most people think of when they think SEL are all those tough and challenging students they have, and SEL is in part for them. Now, it obviously can’t fix all your problems, but it can help curb some behavioral problems. The reason that it helps with behavior is because it fosters a sense of community with the students and helps them to build empathy!

6. A good social-emotional learning program helps with conflict management.

As we covered SEL builds a better community and decision making skills, it also teaches conflict management. Or it may lower conflict issues all together!

7. Social-emotional learning teaches students to manage their emotions.

This and the final three reasons SEL are so important are the most important. Sure, it’s great that SEL helps you in the classroom keep trouble down and increase academic success. But SEL also does so much to help kids understand themselves, their emotions, and how to get a handle on it. This is invaluable for their entire life!

8. Social-emotional learning builds self-esteem.

If self-esteem isn’t built, then it isn’t an SEL program in my opinion. There is a ton of encouragement and validation and understanding that goes into these, and that helps kids feel better about themselves when they usually feel like they’re the only one in the world with their problem. This SEL stuff, is super hero stuff.

9. Social-emotional learning builds relationship skills.

By now you should realize that SEL is all about relationships. Some of these kids may feel like nobodys out in their world, but in the classroom they know that they matter and people will listen. In turn, they will return the favor.

10. Social-emotional learning elicits positive social behavior.

SEL has lasting results. It’s not just something that they keep in the classroom. It’s something that they can carry with them and use into their future to create a better world.

If these 10 things haven’t convinced you that SEL is important, then I don’t know what will. If you’re ready to take the next step, find out what your school is already doing whether it is Second Step, Olweus, Sanford Harmony, or any number of CASEL programs.

If you’re looking for something simple to integrate social-emotional learning into your school day, then look no further than my TPT store for 180 Days of Character Development lessons for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade.