Quick answer
Social emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students develop the skills to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. The widely used CASEL framework names five competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. SEL works best built into daily routines.
- SEL builds emotional, social, and decision-making skills.
- CASEL defines five core competencies.
- It is taught through routines, lessons, and the school climate.
- NEP 2020 emphasises social and emotional development alongside academics.
What are the five SEL competencies?
| Competency | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Self-awareness | Recognising your emotions, strengths, and values | Naming a feeling before reacting |
| Self-management | Managing emotions and behaviour, setting goals | Calming down before a test |
| Social awareness | Understanding and respecting others | Seeing a situation from a friend’s view |
| Relationship skills | Communicating, cooperating, resolving conflict | Working out a disagreement in a group |
| Responsible decision-making | Making caring, safe, ethical choices | Deciding not to share a hurtful message |
What are simple SEL activities for the classroom?
- Morning check-in: students show how they feel with a colour or word.
- Circle time for sharing and listening.
- Breathing or calm-down routines before tests.
- Role plays on resolving conflicts.
- Gratitude journals.
- Group projects with roles and reflection on teamwork.
How can a school build SEL into the day?
- Agree a framework. Pick one framework and shared language for the whole school.
- Train staff. Help teachers model and teach the skills.
- Schedule it. Short regular sessions, such as weekly circle time.
- Embed it. Use SEL language in discipline, sport, and group work.
- Involve parents. Share simple activities to use at home.
- Review. Check climate surveys and behaviour data each term.
What does NEP 2020 say about social and emotional development?
NEP 2020 describes holistic development, including social, emotional, and ethical capacities, as a core aim of education. The holistic progress card includes space for these areas, along with self and peer assessment.
How can schools assess SEL?
- Teacher observation with simple rubrics.
- Student self-assessment and reflection.
- School climate surveys.
- Patterns in attendance, behaviour incidents, and counselling referrals.
Avoid labelling children; use assessment to plan support. See student wellbeing.
Frequently asked questions
What is social emotional learning?
Teaching students to understand and manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.
What are the five SEL competencies?
Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
What is CASEL?
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, an organisation that developed a widely used SEL framework.
Does SEL improve academic results?
Research reviews have found that well-run SEL programmes are associated with better behaviour and academic outcomes.
How much time does SEL take?
Short daily or weekly routines are enough when SEL is also built into everyday teaching.
Is SEL part of NEP 2020?
NEP 2020 emphasises social, emotional, and ethical development as part of holistic education.
Who teaches SEL?
All teachers, supported by counsellors and school leaders.