SEL Is More Than Just Emotions

While understanding emotions is an important part of SEL, it is not its only function. SEL helps children learn to make meaningful connections with their educators, peers, and community members.  As adults, we take making friendships for granted, but many children struggle to make those connections. Fear, shyness, and communication barriers are just a few reasons why children might have difficulty making friendships.





Educator and Child Connection

Students need educators whom they feel are trusted adults.  To make those connections with their students, educators can…….


  1. Take the time to really listen to what their students are saying
  2. Recognize their students' accomplishments, big and small
  3. Making students feel welcomed, supported, and safe
  4. Treating students with respect




Student To Student Connections

When making meaningful friendships in the classroom, SEL helps students build friendships that are…

  1. Supportive: A friend who provides stability and motivation.
  2. Companionship: A friend to share stories and enjoys the same things.
  3. Confidant: A friend that you can trust with anything.



References

Virtual Lab School. (n.d.). Social and emotional development: Lesson 5. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://www.virtuallabschool.org/school-age/social-and-emotional-development/lesson-5