Social-emotional intelligence seems to be the new catch phrase in educational theory. Movers and shakers in the field are researching and recommending ways to include these skills. This post on Edutopia explains how SEL can impact student success. But it is not just in the classroom where learning emotional intelligence skills can create lasting impact.
Humans seem to have lost the ability to empathise or even communicate. My encounter with my partner’s uncle, highlights how hard it is to simply talk with people without some kind of conflict breaking out.
For so long society has been focused on raising the most successful kids. Valued skills included competitiveness, drive, working beyond expectations, a fighting spirit, winning at all costs, physical prowess and an ability to shut up and keep going no matter what. Depression and anxiety, the destruction of nature, toxic masculinity, violence, suicide, bullying, political divisiveness and attacks against otherness are now the hallmark of our species. I venture that we are reaping the fruit of exactly the seeds that were sown.
But this idea holds a kernel of wisdom that may indeed change the world. We can sow new seeds. We can teach kids how to be kind, empathetic and compassionate. We can learn how to communicate with ourselves and with each other. It takes the intentional act of defining and valuing these skills and there are resources out there to help us do just that.
In the comments section of this thoughtful post by @freemotherearth, I shared a lesson by Teaching Tolerance. This site has a fantastic collection of resources and lesson plans to help teach valuable social emotional skills. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a homeschooling family, or you simply want to engage in a little self-reflection, this resource gives you a way to sprout social emotional growth.
Being human is all about learning. If you know better, do better. When we learn something different, then we can do differently. I am one mom of two, learning how to live a loving human life. Please join me in teaching seedlings of all kinds how to be loving humans. Maybe one day, those seedlings will grow into a forest of love that will blanket the Earth.
What other ways do you engage in social emotional growth? Please share your resources with us!
I am grateful to find a place with rich soil to grow a community. May we take root, and flourish together.
@Bia.Birch 🌱
All artwork, photographs, and content are original and created by @bia.birch unless otherwise credited