The Importance of Learning Social and Emotional Skills

Learning social and emotional skills is a missing piece of education

Brain science has given us a whole new understanding of how intellect and emotions work together.

Educators are rethinking old ideas about how children learn because research shows that developing their social and emotional skills improves academic performance and prevents problem behavior.

Developing these skills helps kids communicate well, team up effectively with others and manage emotions like anger and discouragement. They learn how to motivate themselves to cope with the everyday difficulties of life.

Emotions play an important role in forming the relationships that affect how we learn – from teachers and caring adults, from other students. Feelings govern whether a child experiences an active interest in learning and remains engaged. On the other hand, inability to manage stress or regulate impulses makes it difficult to pay attention and focus, and contributes to disruptive behavior that interferes with learning.

Kids with good social and emotional skills feel a strong attachment to school. They demonstrate a sense of belonging, perceive teachers as supportive and caring, make good friends and feel engaged in their academic progress. The research shows that students who do not feel connected to school are more likely to drop out before graduation, exhibit disruptive and violent behavior, use weapons, experiment with tobacco, alcohol or drugs and engage in early sexual involvement.

A landmark assessment of more than 300 research studies documents that students who received effective social and emotional skills instruction improved an average of 11 percentile points on standardized tests. The research clearly demonstrates that children who participate in social and emotional learning (SEL) programs have better attendance records, are less likely to be suspended or disciplined for disruptive classroom behavior, and demonstrate more positive attitudes toward school.

Learn more about our social and emotional learning program by reading about our life skills curriculum.