The Benefits of Kids Learning Social & Emotional Skills

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial to mental health, well-being, and long-term success for people of all ages. Now, more than ever, SEL is needed to help children overcome stress and traumatic events, to build relationships, and navigate big emotions. 

So, what is SEL? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) describes SEL as: the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

CASEL has established five core competencies that can have a profound impact on children as they grow: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making (www.casel.org). These core competencies describe the SEL skills children and adults practice to have healthy and successful social and emotional behaviors.

SEL instruction in schools is supported through Instill SEL for Early Learners. This SEL program, for children ages two to six, is currently implemented in schools in several states. Instill SEL is aligned with research-based tools and strategies used in elementary schools everywhere and supports CASEL’s core competencies. This provides young learners with a strong SEL foundation before they transition to kindergarten or first grade. 

However, children experience increased SEL success when practice is supported both in and out of school environments. SEL instruction shouldn’t just be limited to school instruction. SEL skills are, after all, life skills that every person needs to have healthy, well-balanced lives and to become positive contributors to society. SEL can help prepare children to manage stressful situations, instill respect for others, and develop empathy.

Our Instill SEL at Home Toolkit is built with the same tools and strategies used in Instill SEL. The Blueprint guides your family on how to implement SEL in your home or homeschool environment. The included tools and materials support SEL for children ages two to eight. Your child will engage through games, puppet play, our MVP Kids stories, music, and more. This multidisciplinary approach is not only effective, but it makes learning fun, too.

Children who regularly practice SEL tools, like those found in our Toolkit:

  • are able to manage their emotions successfully, they are able to focus on learning.

  • they care about others’ well-being, they show compassion.

  • are able to understand and follow rules, they contribute to the healthy functioning of a group.

  • they work well with others and solve problems cooperatively, creating a harmonious environment.

  • are able to act responsibly and respectively, they build healthy relationships necessary for success in school and life.

Your family’s Toolkit can help instill social and emotional learning whether your child attends school in or outside the home, childcare or preschool, or waiting to begin schooling.


Instill SEL at Home with Your Family


About Us

Kids need a safe space to grow up within a world of chaotic influencers. MVP Kids creates trusted, purposeful entertainment that supports your family or classroom's Journey to Character™.

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