Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) in adults and children. This article defines the concepts and explores the connection between them, offering suggestions to practice mindfulness to enhance social-emotional learning in teachers and students. 

The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning

While social-emotional learning has been around for a long time, it is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about topics in education. If you’re like us, you’re probably thinking: it’s about time.

If you are relatively new to SEL and mindfulness, that’s great. We are here to guide you. But before we begin, can we just say, thank you?

Whether you are an educator, parent, or trapeze artist, the fact that you are reading a blog post about these topics means that you are interested in learning something to improve the lives of students. For that, we applaud you. Now, more than ever, educators are being called on to fill many roles.

At this moment, we know educators need support—not another directive, not another mandate, not one more thing on your plate. The good news is that SEL is not another educational fad. It’s not one more thing on your plate—it is the plate (Cranston, 2019). It’s also not another thing you have to cram into your already busy schedule. 

“Either we spend time meeting children’s emotional needs by filling their cup with love, or we spend time dealing with the behavior caused from their unmet needs. Either way we spend the time.” –Pam Leo, Connection Parenting

One realization is that being able to manage our mind is more beneficial than merely cramming it with information. The days of rote memorization, “drill and kill,” “stand and deliver,” instruction are gone. Good riddance! They were boring. The fact is those “sink-or-swim” approaches are simply not equitable, and they never have been. Also, here’s a question: Why on earth would we ever allow a child to sink?

As 21^st century learners, our students need to be able to

• think creatively 
• work collaboratively 
• be innovative

These skills require taking risks, making mistakes, and working well with others. In short, they all require SEL skills.

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

One of the most trusted sources for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social-emotional learning is The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). They are essentially the gold standard when it comes to all things SEL. 

CASEL defines SEL as ”the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” CASEL identifies SEL’s five core competencies as: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. 

Equity

Inter-related among the core competencies is the all-important work of equity. Educational equity means that all students have access to the same resources and educational rigor despite race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, family background, or family income (Jagers, Rivas-Drake, Borowski).

SEL can be an important tool for advancing educational equity in that it can help schools

• promote understanding
• examine biases
• reflect on and address the impact of racism
• build cross-cultural relationships
• cultivate adult and student practices that create a more inclusive school community

SEL Begins with Adults

OK,  now say this one with us: SEL starts with adults.

Why? Because we can’t teach what we don’t know. Teaching is stressful. You know it. We know it. Science knows it. Teaching has been recognized as one of the most stressful jobs in the United States (Herman 2019; Gallup, 2013). Herman’s work goes on to say that “we as a society need to consider methods that create nurturing school environments not just for students, but for the adults who work there.” Preach!

One of the best ways to destress is mindfulness. 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It is sometimes confused with meditation which refers to a more formal seated practice. No, you do not need to be sitting on a mountain under a waterfall to practice mindfulness. In fact, you can do it in your car in the Target parking lot if you want. 

Mindfulness practices help to train our minds to see ourselves and the world with greater clarity. It also gives our minds a rest from mental stimulation, especially when we are going through challenging times. Who doesn’t need that?

Research shows that mindfulness provides adults and children with skills to

• build attention
• improve focus 
• manage stress 

No equipment required. No subscription. And, It’s FREE. 

SEL and mindfulness go hand in hand. Mindfulness enhances SEL. If SEL is the garden, mindfulness is the fertilizer. 

SEL Strategies for Adults and Students

Here are some of our favorite SEL strategies that can be used with adults and students. 

Calming Countdown

This mindfulness practice helps focus our attention, foster emotional awareness, and promote self-management. Engaging with our senses helps bring our attention into the present moment. It allows our brain to “cool down” during moments of anxiety or escalation. Simply name

• five things you see
• four things you hear 
• three things you smell
• two things you touch
• one thing you taste 

And voila! You’ve just practiced mindfulness.

HEART Projects

This activity supports students to identify what they love and value. Have students draw a large heart and ask them to write or draw things that they love. Feel free to show an example of a completed heart project like the one below. Next, you can have students share their hearts with a partner.  

At the end of the day, social-emotional learning is not just some educational fad; it’s about human development. SEL skills lead to positive student outcomes and contribute to a greater sense of well-being. Adults and students can cultivate mindfulness to enhance SEL. Support the connection between SEL and mindfulness in yourself and in your students.

Cranston, A.  (2019). Creating Social and Emotional Learning Environments, Shell Education. 

Jagers, R., Rivas-Drake, D., Borowski, T. (2018). Toward Transformative Social and Emotional Learning: Using an Equity Lens. Establishing Practical Social Emotional Competence Assessments Work Group. Summary Brief https://measuringsel.casel.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Framework_EquitySummary-.pdf

Herman, K.C., Reinke, W.M., & Hickmon, J. (2018). Empirically derived profiles of teacher stress, burnout, self-efficacy, and coping and associated student outcomes. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 20- 90-100.

Lopez, S., Sidhu, P. (2013). U.S. Teachers Love Their Lives But Struggle in the Workplace. https://news.gallup.com/poll/161516/teachers-love-lives-struggle-workplace.aspx