- Definition
Social-emotional learning helps children understand and manage their feelings, set goals, show empathy, build good relationships, and make responsible choices. It's about developing the skills needed to navigate life successfully, both in school and beyond.
Taking a deep breath to manage frustration after missing a shot is an example of social-emotional learning in action.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Social-emotional learning is like being a good teammate: you learn how to play fair, encourage others, and handle winning or losing gracefully.
Ask your child: When someone on your team misses a shot, what could you say?
Common mix-up: Kids may think gym class is only about being good at sports. Social-emotional skills, like managing frustration or encouraging a teammate, are just as important for playing well together.
Examples
- Giving a high-five to a player on the other team after a good game, win or lose.
- Choosing to include someone who is left out of a game.
- Setting a personal goal to try a new skill, even if it's hard at first.
social-emotional learning is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
