SEL Competencies
SEL CompetenciesSelf-Awareness
If Your child’s area of improvement is Self-Awareness. This may affect their ability to understand and identify their emotions, recognize their strengths and limitations, and be aware of how their thoughts and behaviors impact themselves and others. Developing self-awareness is essential for building confidence and emotional resilience.
What You Can Do at Home:
Talk openly about feelings and emotions
Celebrate achievements, big or small
Guide your child to reflect on challenges
Ask: "What were you feeling when that happened?"
Example Scenario:
Meet Liam (Age 8):
Liam struggles with self-awareness. In class, he becomes frustrated during an art project and snaps at his classmates. Later, when his teacher gently asks him to reflect, Liam can’t identify his feelings or understand why he acted that way.
By building self-awareness, Liam can learn to:
- Recognize emotions
- Understand triggers
- Manage reactions better
This will help him feel more confident and improve how he interacts with others.
Quick Parent/Teacher Tips:
After dinner, or at the end of the day at a calm moment, ask your child, "What was something that made you feel happy today?"
Ask: “Can you tell me one thing you’re really good at?”
Play a game of “Feelings Charades” – act out emotions and guess.
At bedtime, reflect together: “Was there a moment today you felt proud? Why?”
Self-Management
If Your child’s area of improvement is Self-Management. This may affect their ability to regulate emotions, stay focused, follow routines, and handle frustrations or challenges effectively. Strengthening self-management skills can help them develop greater self-discipline and achieve their goals.
How You Can Support at Home:
Break tasks into small steps.
Teach calming techniques (deep breaths, counting to 10).
Praise effort, not just results.
Create visual schedules for routines.
Real-Life Example
Maya, Age 10:
Maya gets overwhelmed during math tests. When she faces a tough problem, she fidgets and gives up. Later, she can’t explain how to calm herself or keep going.
With self-management, Maya could learn to:
- Take a deep breath
- Try again or ask for help
- Manage stress with positive self-talk
Try This Tonight:
Help your child set one small goal for tomorrow (like finishing homework before dinner) and celebrate when they succeed."
Set a 5-minute timer for a “calm down moment” with slow breathing.
Make a “Feel Better” box (with stress ball, doodle pad, fidget).
Write a small goal for the next day on a sticky note and post it somewhere visible.
Social Awareness
If your child’s area of improvement is Social Awareness. This may affect their ability to empathize with others, understand diverse perspectives, and navigate social situations. Improving social awareness helps build meaningful relationships and fosters respect for others.
How You Can Support at Home:
- Point out facial expressions and body language in books or TV shows.
- Ask questions like, “How do you think they felt?”
- Expose your child to diverse cultures and stories.
- Encourage kindness in daily life.
Real-Life Example
Alex, Age 7:
Alex often misses social cues. At recess, he jumps into a tag game without realizing he’s disrupting others. In class, he talks over peers and doesn’t notice their frustration.
With social awareness, Alex could learn to:
- Notice when others are upset
- Pause and ask, “Can I join?”
- Respect others’ space and ideas
Try This Tonight:
Ask: “What’s something nice you did for someone today?”
Watch a short video together and pause: “How do you think that person feels?”
During dinner, or any other time together, talk about someone in your community and how they might feel in their daily life.
Watch a movie together and pause to discuss how characters might be feeling."
Relationship Skills
If your child’s area of improvement is Relationship Skills. This may impact their ability to make and keep friends, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. Strengthening these skills helps them collaborate and connect with others.
How You Can Support at Home:
- Model healthy communication (take turns, use kind words).
- Practice role-playing common situations like sharing or apologizing.
- Praise teamwork and cooperation.
- Encourage participation in group activities.
Real-Life Example
Sofia, Age 9:
Sofia struggles in group projects—she insists on her way and dismisses others. Her classmates feel unheard, and group work becomes tense.
With relationship skills, Sofia could learn to:
- Listen actively to others
- Share responsibilities
- Value different opinions
Try This Tonight:
"Ask: ‘How do you think a good friend acts when someone is sad?’"
Responsible Decision-Making
“Your child’s area of improvement is Responsible Decision-Making. This may affect their ability to consider consequences, make ethical choices, and solve problems effectively. Building decision-making skills helps them navigate life with confidence and integrity.”
How You Can Support at Home:
- Talk through everyday choices (e.g., healthy snacks vs. treats).
- Ask “What might happen if…?” to encourage reflection.
- Praise good choices and discuss lessons learned from mistakes.
Real-Life Example
Emily, Age 12:
Emily laughs along when her friends tease a new classmate, Lily. Later, she feels guilty but doesn’t connect her behavior to the concept of responsible decision-making.
With this skill, Emily could learn to:
- Pause and think before acting
- Stand up for kindness
- Apologize when needed
Try This Tonight:
Ask: ‘What’s one kind thing you could do tomorrow?’"
Ask: “If you found a wallet on the ground, what would you do?”
Discuss a simple “what if” scenario: “What happens if we leave toys in the rain?”
Before bedtime, reflect on one good decision from the day and why it mattered.