Social Emotional Learning

Riya K. Hira

Welcome to the latest edition of the Global Positivity Hub, a newsletter dedicated to bringing positivity into the lives of children, parents, and schools to unlock the full potential of children in educational settings. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has always been a hot topic, especially when considering the holistic development of children. To learn more and gain a better understanding of the possibilities of SEL in the overall development of children, we spoke with Riya Hira, Co-Founder & Chief Programmes Officer, Project Statecraft. She is also an Impact Leader & Strategist, Social Change & Youth Advocate

Question 1. How would you define social-emotional learning (SEL) for someone new to the concept while emphasizing the significance of five core competencies in children’s development??

Firstly let me talk about what SEL is. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an educational approach that focuses on children's emotional and social development alongside academics recognizing that a child's success in life isn't solely determined by their cognitive abilities but also by their emotional intelligence.

It centers around five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These competencies help children understand their emotions, manage their behavior, empathize with others, communicate effectively, and make responsible choices. SEL is essential because it equips children with the skills needed for success in both their personal and academic lives, making them more well-rounded individuals.

Question 2. What solid proof is there that shows the benefits of SEL, such as improved academic performance, fewer behavior problems, and better mental well-being in children? Could you provide real-life examples or studies that demonstrate these advantages, helping us understand the tangible impact of SEL?

Certainly! SEL has a track record of delivering real benefits for kids. Here's how it works:

• Improved Grades: Kids who learn SEL do better in school. Imagine a student who used to struggle suddenly getting higher grades. It's not uncommon.
• Fewer Problems: SEL helps reduce behavior issues. Picture a school where there are fewer fights, bullying incidents, and suspensions. That's the impact of SEL.
• Happier Kids: SEL equips children to handle emotions better. Think of a program that helps a shy or anxious child become more confident and happy.

A great example is the "PATHS" program, which boosted kids' self-control and social skills. So, it's not just about grades; it's about making kids' lives better in and out of the classroom.

Question 3. Could you share specific exercises or discussions that parents and educators can use to cultivate empathy and kindness in children? How do these qualities impact children's relationships and interactions within the community, and are there age-specific approaches or resources available?

Certainly! Cultivating empathy and kindness in children is essential for fostering positive relationships and community interactions. To nurture empathy and kindness in children, parents and educators can use engaging exercises and discussions:

• Storytelling: Share books with characters showing empathy and kindness, discussing their actions and feelings to illustrate the qualities.
• Role-Playing: Encourage children to step into others' shoes through role-playing, helping them practice understanding different perspectives.
• Acts of Kindness: Promote small acts of kindness, like helping a friend or volunteering, to teach practical empathy.
• Emotion Talks: Have open conversations about emotions, asking how they'd feel in various situations to develop empathy.
• Community Involvement: Engage in community service as a family, showing kids the positive impact of kindness on others.

Tailored resources exist for different age groups, ensuring these exercises suit a child's development stage. Empathy and kindness enrich relationships, reduce conflicts, and build a more inclusive and supportive community, where children learn to make a positive impact.

Question 4. How does SEL equip children to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, including those stemming from technology and social change, while addressing issues like cyberbullying, social media, and global conflicts? Are there emerging trends or innovations in SEL that are particularly relevant today?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) equips kids with essential tools to tackle the ever-changing world, especially in the face of technology and social shifts. In this digital era, children encounter issues like cyberbullying and the overwhelming presence of social media. SEL steps in by nurturing emotional strength, critical thinking, and smart decision-making, enabling them to handle online conflicts and make safe choices on the internet.

Beyond that, SEL teaches empathy and respect for diverse viewpoints, crucial for addressing global conflicts and promoting cooperation. It encourages open conversations about complex world issues, helping children wrap their heads around these problems and work together to find solutions.

Innovations in SEL include programs focused on digital and media literacy, giving kids the skills to sift through online content critically. There are also tech-based SEL platforms and apps, making learning these skills engaging and adaptable to our ever-changing digital landscape. SEL remains a crucial compass for kids as they navigate a world that's rapidly evolving and interconnected.

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More about Riya Hira:

Beyond her work in youth empowerment and inclusion, she is also involved with Noble Vision, a prominent publishing house that exclusively specializes in Child Healthcare (Pediatrics & Neonatology) in India. Her goal is to revolutionize the publishing industry, making it more accessible to authors and improving access to high-quality knowledge in the field of child healthcare in India.

In the past she also served as the Program Lead for the Movers Programme (PSC), an inspiring Youth Co-Lab Initiative supported by UNDP and the Citi Foundation. Through this transformative program, she successfully influenced the lives of over 4200 students, facilitating more than 50 localised training workshops focusing on SDGs, entrepreneurship, 21st-century skills, and community building.

In the past she has also worked in key leadership roles with esteemed organisations like Global Youth India, Simple Education Foundation, Edjustice Foundation, and DU Connect.

She is a passionate individual driven by the desire to improve the lives of many and over the next five years with her unwavering passion for creating impact through education, advancing gender equality, youth development & social change she envision herself becoming a leading advocate and catalyst for social change at a global level.