What is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children—and adults—develop the skills needed to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, show empathy for others, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
“We define social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (CASEL, n.d.).
The issue brief, created by The Pennsylvania State University with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation states that; "For children to succeed during elementary school, in further schooling and in their careers, they need to be socially, emotionally, and academically competent. Students’ SEL competencies are built through policies, programs, and practices that enhance children’s and adults’ capacities to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions."
Why is Social Emotional Learning Important for K–12 Students?
As students grow, they face a variety of emotional, social, and academic challenges. SEL helps them:
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Build Self-Awareness
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Recognize their emotions, thoughts, and values—and understand how these influence behavior.
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Practice Self-Management
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Develop strategies to manage stress, control impulses, and stay motivated when working toward personal and academic goals.
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Strengthen Social Awareness
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Learn empathy by recognizing the emotions and perspectives of others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
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Improve Relationship Skills
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Communicate clearly, cooperate with others, resolve conflicts constructively, and seek or offer help when needed.
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Make Responsible Decisions
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Consider the well-being of themselves and others, reflect on the consequences of their actions, and make ethical, informed choices.
Stated in the Issue Brief done by The Pennsylvania State University: SEL Assessment to Support Effective Social Emotional Learning Practices at Scale;
"As large numbers of school districts adopt social and emotional learning programs, educators must grapple with how to maintain program effectiveness at scale. To maintain quality at scale, educators should integrate SEL assessment and data review as part of a continuous improvement process. State education agencies, and federal and state policy, can support the use of SEL assessment in schools to ensure that as SEL goes to scale, practices remain rooted in data. In so doing, ongoing improvements can be made to the effectiveness of SEL programs and practices."
But who takes over when budget cuts to education are forced, or a district cannot fund SEL instruction appropriately? Where does a child receive this important, life changing education? At Roots we have the answer to that.
How is SEL Different from Counseling or Therapy?
While SEL can support mental wellness, it is not a replacement for counseling or therapy. SEL is preventive and proactive, focusing on building emotional intelligence and practical life skills. It’s about teaching young people how to navigate their feelings, relationships, and responsibilities, whether or not they are facing specific mental health challenges.
How Can SEL Benefit My Child?
Research shows that students who participate in high-quality SEL programs:
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Show improved academic performance
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Have better attitudes toward school and learning
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Experience fewer behavioral issues
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Build stronger relationships with peers and adults
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Report lower levels of stress and anxiety
More than just a “feel-good” initiative, SEL is a powerful, research-backed approach to helping students become more confident, resilient, and compassionate.
At its core, Social Emotional Learning helps children develop the skills to become their best selves—as learners, friends, family members, and future leaders. Whether a child is just starting kindergarten or preparing to graduate high school, SEL supports their journey every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
SEL is the process through which children learn to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy for others, establish healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. It’s about developing the “whole child,” not just academic skills.
2. How is SEL different from therapy or counseling?
My SEL services are not therapy or a replacement for counseling. While therapy often focuses on healing or managing mental health conditions, SEL is about building skills proactively—like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. It’s a strengths-based, educational approach grounded in research.
3. Who benefits from SEL instruction?
All kids do. Whether a child is thriving or facing challenges, SEL builds emotional intelligence and resilience that helps them succeed socially, emotionally, and academically.
4. What does a typical SEL session look like?
Each session is personalized but may include activities such as mindfulness exercises, role-playing scenarios, creative arts, games, or storytelling. Sessions are interactive, age-appropriate, and designed to reinforce key SEL competencies from the CASEL framework.
5. Is this a long-term commitment?
Not necessarily. Some children benefit from a short series of sessions targeting specific goals (like confidence or coping strategies), while others may benefit from ongoing support. I work with families to create a flexible, goal-aligned plan.
6. How do you measure progress?
Progress is measured through goal tracking, skill observations, and regular check-ins with the child and family. I use reflective tools and conversations to help kids recognize their own growth too.
7. How does this complement what my child is learning at school?
Many schools use SEL curricula, but one-on-one sessions deepen the learning, personalize the pace, and allow space to practice in meaningful ways. My work reinforces and extends school-based efforts.
8. Do you collaborate with teachers, therapists, or other professionals?
Yes—with parental consent, I can coordinate with teachers, therapists, or other support providers to ensure a cohesive approach to your child’s development.
9. Is this only for children who are struggling?
No—SEL is valuable for every child. Kids who are doing well can still benefit from tools that strengthen empathy, leadership, and stress management.
10. What qualifications do you have to teach SEL?
I’m trained in the CASEL framework and have experience working with children in educational and wellness spaces. I also lead with a heart-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive approach that honors each child’s individuality.