SEL Curriculum for High School: Is it Too Late?

An effective SEL curriculum for high school – is it a myth?

Just imagine it – you walk into a high school classroom, and notice something a bit…unusual. There’s an air of calm confidence among the students. They seem genuinely engaged and supportive of each other.

You might think you’ve stumbled into a scene from some alternate universe, but what you’re actually witnessing is the power of social emotional learning at work.

Aristotle famously said, “Educating hte mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Yet, in our fast-paced, academics-driven society, we tend to focus solely on grades and textbooks, ignoring everything we need to do to create a well-rounded individual.

While elementary school classrooms do tend to emphasize social emotional learning, these concepts fade into the background as students get older and SATs, chemistry, and algebra take center stage. 

So is it too late to have an SEL curriculum for high school? And what can we, as educators, do to make sure our students are equipped for every aspect of adulthood? Let’s dive in. 

What is SEL for High School?

SEL focuses on developing students’ emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. 

At its core, SEL equips students with the tools they need to manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

In a high school setting, SEL takes on added dimensions. It’s not just about making students feel good; it’s about preparing them for the challenges of adulthood. 

It might look like students learning how to communicate effectively in group projects, manage stress during exam season, and resolve conflicts amicably. These are skills that go beyond the classroom, helping students become more adaptable in their future workplaces and communities.

One example of SEL in action is the use of role-playing scenarios to teach empathy. An example might be a classroom where students participate in activities like “Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes,” which encourages them to understand different perspectives. 

With SEL, students learn more than just academic subjects – they learn to be empathetic humans. 

Is an SEL Curriculum for High School Too Late?

You might be wondering if introducing SEL in high school is akin to trying to teach an old dog new tricks. Isn’t it too late to instill these values in teenagers? 

Not in the slightest. High school is the perfect time to introduce SEL because students are on the cusp of adulthood, facing decisions and challenges that will shape their futures.

High school is where the rubber meets the road. Students are dealing with academic pressures, social dynamics, and the looming reality of post-graduation plans. SEL provides them with a toolkit to handle these challenges gracefully. 

Consider the story of a high school senior who, thanks to an SEL program, learned how to express her thoughts assertively. She went from being shy and reserved to actively participating in class discussions and even leading a student group. Her newfound confidence not only improved her academic standing but also helped her form meaningful relationships.

While it’s great to start SEL in the early years – ideally, as soon as students begin school, if not sooner (while at home with parents), there’s no time that’s “too late.”

What Are the 5 Core Concepts of SEL?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s get familiar with the five core concepts of SEL:

Self-Awareness

First up is self-awareness, the ability to recognize and understand one’s emotions, strengths, and limitations. It’s like holding a mirror up to yourself, but with fewer judgmental glances.

For example, when students identify what triggers their anger or anxiety, they can handle situations more confidently. Picture a student recognizing that their heart races before public speaking. Understanding this allows them to use calming techniques to manage it.

Self-Management

Next in line is self-management, or the art of keeping your cool even when the world is burning around you. Think of it as your personal thermostat, helping you regulate your emotions and behaviors. 

Students who master this skill are less likely to fly off the handle during a heated discussion. 

Consider the student who uses deep breathing to stay calm during a tricky math test. This isn’t just about keeping emotions in check; it’s also about time management and staying motivated to reach goals.

Social Awareness

Now, onto social awareness – the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes. It’s empathy, but with more style. This skill helps students understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and cultures. 

An example would be a student recognizing a classmate’s struggle with English as a second language and offering help, something that ultimately creates a friendlier, more inclusive environment.

Relationship Skills

Our fourth item is relationship skills, which involve building healthy, lasting connections with others. In high school, this might look like students resolving conflicts with their peers or collaborating on group projects without drama. 

Think about a group of students coming together to organize a school event. They communicate effectively, divvy up tasks, and support each other through challenges.

Decision-Making

Last but not least, we have decision-making – choosing actions wisely and considering the consequences. It’s like being a chess grandmaster but in real life. 

Whether it’s deciding to steer clear of peer pressure or weighing the benefits and risks of different college choices, this skill sets students up for success. 

In real life, this might look like a student evaluating the pros and cons of joining the debate team before making a choice that aligns with their goals.

Strategies for SEL in High School Classrooms

Now, let’s spill the beans on some clever strategies to weave SEL into the high school experience effortlessly.

Incorporate Media-Centric Examples

We’ve all seen those viral videos that tug at the heartstrings. Use media to your advantage. A thought-provoking TED Talk or a gripping documentary can spark discussions that align with SEL concepts. 

Encourage students to analyze characters’ emotions and decisions in movies, like the challenges faced by the protagonists in “The Breakfast Club.” This way, you’re not just teaching SEL; you’re making it entertaining.

Morning Meetings with a Twist

Start the day with brief check-ins that emphasize SEL principles. 

Instead of the classic “How was your weekend?” ask questions like “What’s something you learned about yourself recently?” or “If emotions were colors, what color would you be today?” Watch as students open up and connect on a deeper level.

Project-Based Learning

Encourage collaborative projects that demand teamwork and problem-solving. For instance, you might task them with organizing a fundraiser for a cause they care about. 

Mindfulness Minutes

Incorporate short mindfulness exercises into the daily routine. Whether it’s a minute of deep breathing or a guided meditation, these moments help students manage stress and increase self-awareness. 

Journaling with a Purpose

Journaling isn’t just for poets and dreamers. Encourage students to reflect, prompting them with questions like, “What made you smile today?” or “How did you handle a difficult situation?” 

Guest Speakers and Workshops

Invite professionals who excel in emotional intelligence fields to share their insights, whether they’re psychologists, motivational speakers, or community leaders.

Empathy Exercises

Facilitate activities that require students to put themselves in others’ shoes, like role-playing scenarios, debates, or storytelling exercises. 

SEL Apps and Technology

Leverage technology, like apps,  to engage students in SEL. Integrate these tools into lessons to make SEL accessible and relatable.

Celebrating Achievements

Acknowledge students’ SEL progress alongside academic achievements, giving them certificates for acts of kindness, leadership, or teamwork as an extra boost of motivation.

Peer Mentoring Programs

Establish peer mentoring programs where older students guide the younger ones. This will foster relationship skills and responsible decision-making for both groups.

Family Involvement

Engage parents and guardians in the SEL process. Host workshops or send newsletters that explain SEL concepts and how families can support them at home. 

What is the Best SEL Curriculum?

If you’re looking for a curriculum that ticks all the boxes, you might want to check out Stanfield Company’s Circles program. It’s specifically designed to help students with disabilities understand social boundaries and interpersonal skills. This could be the key to unlocking potential in students who often feel misunderstood.

Circles Complete offers three levels of engaging content focused on teaching social and relationship skills. It’s especially great for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as it breaks down complex social concepts into digestible lessons.

The programs cover everything from understanding personal space to mastering the art of conversation. Best yet, its structure allows for gradual learning, making sure students build on each lesson effectively and in a well-rounded way. 

Incorporating SEL into high school curriculums isn’t just feasible; it’s imperative. Now’s the time to act. If you’re ready to implement or enhance SEL in your school, check out Stanfield Company’s Circles program today.