Social Emotional Learning Introduction

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

SEL is the is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to:

• Understand and manage emotions

• Set and achieve positive goals

• Feel and show empathy for others

• Establish and maintain positive relationships

• Make responsible decisions

Youth and adults who incorporate SEL into their lives at home, in their communities, schools or workplaces can become skilled in five core areas:

1. Self awareness - the ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts and values and how they influence behavior.

2. Social awareness- the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others.

3. Responsible Decision Making - ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns and social norms. Consideration of well being of self and others.

4. Self management- ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts and behaviors in different situations. Set and work toward personal and academic goals.

5. Relationship skills - ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. Ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, and negotiate conflict.

The skills developed through SEL programs have the potential for several outcomes including:

• Increased academic success

• Improved relationships with peers and teachers

• Decreased risky behavior

• Reduced emotional distress

What does SEL look like at camp?

• Recognize how they feel or how someone else might be feeling.

• Group decision-making, listening and effective communication.

• Create community.

• Self management.

• Problem solving.

• Advocate for their own needs.

• Cooperation and teamwork through participation in activities and games.

• Opportunity to interact with others from diverse backgrounds and experiences that provide opportunities to create trusted and respectful relationships.

SEL at Home Series

In addition to fun camp and science activities, Camp Tamarack is excited to add weekly SEL activities to our blog. We hope you and your family enjoy this opportunity to come together and share these activities.

Here are a few simple SEL activities that you can try today! Check back next week for more!