Tomorrow, @Audra_Selkowitz and I are going to join the CASEL SEL Exchange virtual summit for an afternoon of focusing on Social & Emotional Learning. While it may seem that SEL and STEM are unrelated, they actually work hand-in-hand to promote social-emotional competence in children. CASEL recommends incorporating “teaching practices such as cooperative learning and project-based learning; and integration of SEL and academic curriculum such as language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and performing arts” in order to create a positive school culture where SEL can take root and thrive.
The CASEL 5, which are fundamental areas of social-emotional competence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, can all be supported with high-quality STEM education. VEX STEM labs integrate each of these SEL competencies, regardless of the platform. Students make decisions together, share their learning, support each other as teammates, and practice their communications skills as they work together to solve complex problems.
I’m interested in hearing your thoughts about the ways in which our STEM Labs (and STEM and PBL in general) have helped to support and advance your students’ SEL competencies!
