Applying Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Your Classroom: SEL and Relationship Skills

It has been widely accepted that incorporating social and emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom can positively impact student behavior and outcomes. In fact, a growing body of research has shown that incorporating SEL competencies into teaching can result in improved social and emotional skills, attitudes, behavior, and academic performance. So in what ways can teachers implement good SEL strategies?

In this fourth installment of our five-part series on the SEL competencies, we’re going to take a look at how you can incorporate SEL and relationship skills into your classroom.

SEL and Relationship Skills in Your Classroom

When your students move on to college and careers, being able to work well with others will become a crucial life skill, which is why it’s important for them to develop good interpersonal skills early in life. Give them the opportunity to work together on projects in groups or with partners. When assigning partners, try to pair students who are less confident, shy, or insular with others who are more social and self-confident.

When conflicts arise, use them as an opportunity to have students reflect on how their actions affect others. Serve as a mediator and help students communicate constructively, actively listen to one another, and come to a compromise that works for everyone. Foster friendship and kindness in the classroom—set friendship goals—but also be sure to teach students about leadership and responsibility so they will think about the consequences of their actions before caving to peer pressure and unhealthy choices in order to “fit in.”

It’s also important for students to learn how to form relationships with their teachers so they can self-advocate, but speaking with a teacher directly can be too intimidating for many students. Foster communication by providing students with multiple avenues of contact, such as by phone or email, and encourage students to reach out to you for help.

Interested in learning more? Be sure to check out our posts on SEL and self-awareness, SEL and self-management, and SEL and social awareness.