Social-emotional learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children develop the skills to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, maintain relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is the umbrella field that includes emotional intelligence as one component.
Why it matters
SEL describes the whole set of competencies that shape how a child relates to themselves and others. The widely used CASEL framework organises it into five areas — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making — several of which overlap directly with the thinking skills in this glossary.
What it looks like at different ages
- Ages 6–8: recognising feelings and taking turns.
- Ages 9–11: cooperating, resolving small conflicts, showing empathy.
- Ages 12–14: managing relationships and making responsible choices independently.
How parents can build it
Model it out loud — name your own feelings and reasoning (“I’m frustrated, so I’m going to take a minute”) so your child sees the skill in action.
Source: CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) framework, casel.org.