Why is Social Emotional Learning Important in Early Childhood Education

Learning About the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education 

As a parent, you've probably heard about the importance of developing emotional intelligence (EI) since early childhood education. 

But why is emotional intelligence so important right now? For starters, there is a high level of anxiety worldwide, especially younger people; they are more likely to have some form of anxiety. Here we share some stats according to "www.mentalhealth.org":

• In 2021 those aged 16 to 29 years were most likely to have some form of anxiety (28% possible). 

• In 2022/23, an average of 67% of men and women have high anxiety levels.

We live in a world where we are easily triggered and worrying about our safety and the future. Everyone is looking for coping strategies for stress and anxiety at an older age; that's why it is so important to start early to understand your triggers and learn how to cope. 

Below we dive a bit into anxiety, coping mechanisms, and more.

Anxiety, Coping Strategies, and Teaching Methodologies

For the ones curious about how anxiety works and how to cope with it, anxiety is the body's response to actual or perceived danger. It's a natural process that every person deals with at one time or another.

We often use anxiety as a blanket term for worry, nervousness, or unease. However, there's a difference between feeling anxious and having an anxiety disorder.

Some short, and long-term strategies to cope with anxiety might involve Mindfulness, exercise, journaling, nutrition, spending more time outdoors and less time screening, and last but not least, reducing any stressful scenario and doing more of what we enjoy doing. 

As adults, we know all of these practices don't come on easily; they take time to foster, develop, and as a result, have better "emotional regulation." 

Dysregulation makes life even more challenging for kids, friendships difficult, and, most significantly, it can make learning impossible. That's why XXI teaching methodologies understand the importance of implementing social/emotional learning in the classroom. 

Here are ten methods that every 21st-century educator should know:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL)

• Blended Learning

• Flipped Classroom

• Inquiry-Based Learning

• Collaborative Learning

• Gamification

• Design Thinking

• Growth Mindset

• Global Citizenship Education

• Data-Driven Instruction

What is the difference between Emotional Intelligence and Social Emotional Learning?

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify and manage your emotions and the emotions of others. Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to acquiring emotional intelligence, developing empathy for others, and learning problem-solving skills.

Both terms align with what parents and educators look for nowadays: for kids to realize they control their feelings and subsequent actions.

Social/Emotional Learning in School

SEL is a process wherein individuals learn self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills for life success, not only for school or professional success but as a whole. Children thrive. Workplaces benefit. Society strengthens all due to social-emotional learning. 

In this process, learners acquire the tools, knowledge, and skillsets so that they can:

• Understand and manage their emotions

• Set and achieve positive goals

• Feel and show empathy for others

• Establish and maintain positive relationships

• Make responsible decisions

Teaching SEL in early childhood education helps develop effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more; besides, it provides a foundation for positive, long-term results for kids and young adults for life after high school.

In our next article, we will share some indicators to help you determine if your child is genuinely developing their social/emotional skills and how to help them nurture them. 

Benefits of Social/Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education 

Did you know learning social-emotional skills is as vital as reading, writing, and math? See below what does the research say about the benefits and effectiveness of social-emotional learning programs on students:

• Academics: SEL Students see the most significant follow-up impact in academics. They develop more vital "soft skills" that help them boost their academic performance, both in science, and humanities subjects.

• Self-Conscious: Students engaged in SEL see less aggressive and disruptive behavior in school. It helps them to be more self-aware and nurture their relationships more. 

• Well-Being: SEL students also have fewer occurrences of depression, anxiety, stress, and social withdrawal. SEL programs improve students' inhibitory control, planning, and switch-tasking. 

Bottom Line 

At Grupo Academia Internacional, we believe in social-emotional learning (SEL). It helps improve kids' academic performance, curtail bullying, reduce dropout rates, and build character.

Well-implemented SEL programs positively affect students' success in and after school. Studies show that social-emotional skills—such as problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy—help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviors, and create positive classroom climates.

Social-emotional skills also help kids successfully manage everyday life. They help students focus, make good decisions, and become supportive members of their community well beyond school, our main objective at our schools. Prepare students for a future full of personal and academic success.

Learn more about our programs and admission process—open enrollment for the 2024 academic period.