Poetry & Social Emotional Learning

What is Social Emotional Learning?

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL is the process through which children and adults understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Early childhood is a critical time for young people to develop SEL competencies.

Using Language to Develop SEL Skills in Early Childhood

Zero to Three, an organization dedicated to helping infants and toddlers thrive, points out the value of reading books about feelings to young people. They note, “Toddlers often lack the words they need to describe their feelings… By helping your child name her feelings and practice ways to manage their emotions, she learns over time how to do it herself.” Read the full article on early social emotional development here.

Edutopia, a website dedicated to exploring educational best practices, explains how “poetry can help give our [children] insights into life and life choices.” Read the full article on poetry and SEL here.