Nurturing Social Emotional Learning in Primary Classes-Insights from a Grade 2 Classroom

By Kate Stowell

Grade 2 Homeroom/English Language Arts / Unit of Inquiry Teacher

For a long time now, educators have been recognizing the increasing importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). It is a concept that I am constantly striving to improve in my own Grade 2 classroom. As my learners are in the process of transitioning from early childhood to the foundational years of formal education, it can not be stated enough that it is crucial to foster this kind of development.

Creating a Supportive Environment

The most important thing that we do as educators is creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where all different kinds of learners can learn, grow, and flourish. Just like we do when we are teaching academics, we model intentionally through our teaching practice, attitudes, and behavior. We can consider the question: if I were a student, how would I feel in this class?

Building Compassion and Empathy

By using activities such as Morning Meeting, we help build these important life-skills through discussions, role-playing, story telling, and other games. Learners learn to understand new perspectives and how to "walk in another's shoes". In time, this helps them with their self-awareness and self-regulation skills as well. This includes recognition and management of emotions and how to persevere through challenges by developing a growth mindset. 

Social skills are also included and integrated as part of our ATLs. It takes place both inside and outside of the classroom, including in PE classes and when it comes to whole school events such as Sports Day or a school-wide camping trip. Peer support and encouragement, respectful interactions, and teamwork are key components for consideration. 

Conclusion

SEL should not be a stand alone topic, though it is fine and perhaps sometimes convenient to have a dedicated "guidance" time or a set time every day for a Morning Meeting. Rather, it should be integrated to the best of our ability throughout the day, week, year with everything else that we teach. It is not only beneficial to us (although we can all certainly seek our own improvement). Most importantly, it is beneficial to our students: now and for the rest of their lives.