Why has SEL become so controversial?
I think there is a fear about SEL because there is a massive misunderstanding of what it is
SEL is equipping kids with skills that will help in their real life, college, and career
How can states say, “we won’t teach kids to become awesome humans.”
The number one argument AGAINST social-emotional learning is “that is the job of parents.”
And I agree.
Helping kids with:
Communication
Coping
Compassion
Camaraderie
Connections
Those are roles for parents
Good, loving, parents who dedicate time and attention to their kids, do those things and the world (especially teachers) thank them for that.
But don’t parents also:
Help students learn to read
Help their child practice writing their name
Help kids learn the spelling list
Help their child with a science project
The roles of parents and teachers are actually very similar.
The difference is, we, as teachers, have 8 dedicated hours per day to teach and reach kids in an education setting.
And we want your:
Loving
Hilarious
Intelligent
Friendly
Children to also be ready to tackle life, career, and college in awesome ways.
Math
Reading
Art
Social Studies
PE
Writing
AND SEL
Those are ALL content areas.
They are subjects that have goals to help in the mental, educational, social, and emotional development of children.
We don’t say “teaching art is illegal” because kids should be learning to color at home.
We don’t say “math is illegal” because kids should just be using a calculator
So for all the governments, school districts, states, and parents who have concerns about SEL in schools, can you help me better understand why?
Because I bet the argument would now be “I don’t want my kid learning ________ in school.”
And that blank is VERY likely NOT an SEL standard and NOT actually part of the SEL curriculum.
So, let me breakdown SEL in one sentence.
SEL is equipping kids to tackle life so they can become awesome humans.
And I think our world can always use more of those.
With so much love,
12
PS– If you want some awesome SEL resources for your classroom you can find more right here