If you have a school-age child, you may have heard about Social Emotional Learning (SEL) through your school or their teachers as the term has gained popularity in formal education. Additionally, it has been an integral component of learning at residential environmental education centers (outdoor schools) like Sierra Nevada Journeys outdoor program at Grizzly Creek Ranch.
Our Overnight Outdoor Learning program has been an extension of regular classroom programs with schools. Held at the beautiful Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, California, Overnight Outdoor Learning is designed for fifth- and sixth-grade students and includes STEM, teambuilding, and SEL components. When students attend the 3-to-5-day program, we use the outdoors as their classroom and they learn using experiential, hands-on approaches. They are encouraged to use critical thinking by asking questions, making observations and conducting investigations.
One of the key components of Overnight Outdoor Learning is SEL defined 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.”
- Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Why is SEL important?
SEL provides a foundation for safe and positive learning and enhances students' ability to succeed in school, careers, and life.
Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students (Durlak et al., 2011).
During the coronavirus pandemic, many youth may be experiencing stress and anxiety. They may feel disconnected from others due to quarantine and schools being closed. The need for SEL is rising due to these circumstances.
Ask your school about SEL programs that they may offer. Since 2012, Washoe County School District has been using SEL strategies as a way to increase graduation rates.
Through Washoe County School District’s Parent University, you’ll find regularly scheduled SEL courses to help parents engage in SEL practices, such as College and Career Success and Building Resiliency in Children.
Sacramento City Unified School District’s SEL at home is a great place for parents to learn SEL principles that they can do with their children. They include:
1. Focus on strengths.
2. Follow up with a consequence for misbehavior.
3. Ask children how they feel.
4. Find ways to stay calm when angry.
5. Avoid humiliation or mocking your child.
6. Be willing to apologize.
7. Give children choices and respect their wishes.
8. Ask questions that help children solve problems on their own.
9. Encourage sharing and helping
Learn more about Sierra Nevada Journeys’ education model and STEM programs that incorporate SEL principles.
