What exactly is Social Emotional Learning?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to:

1) Sustain self-regulation of emotions

2) Create and achieve positive goals

3) Experience empathy for others

4) Establish and maintain positive relationships

5) Make more informed and sound decisions

SEL is increasingly recognized as an important factor for success in school, in the workplace and in our daily lives. Research shows that garden-based and experiential, outdoor learning has the following impacts on the five core competencies of SEL:

Self-Awareness

• Improves self-esteem and self-confidence

• Translating experiences in the garden with connections to daily life and cultural heritage

Self–Management

• Develops a sense of ownership and responsibility

• Improves life skills (working in groups, self-understanding, self-direction, leadership, decision-making, communication and stewardship)

Social Awareness

• Improves social skills and behavior

Relationship Skills

• Improves social skills and behavior

• Improves interpersonal relationships and family relationships

Responsible Decision Making

• Improves attitudes and emotional responses to stressful situations in school, the workplace, social settings and other sectors of daily life toward school

For more information about SEL, visit https://casel.org/what-is-sel/