Nurturing Tween Development: The Role of Socio-Emotional Learning
Written By Chelsea Fielder-Jenks, LPC-S, CEDS-S, PMH-CThink of the young persons in your life. What knowledge and skills would you identify as being essential to their long-term well-being?
You probably highlighted key social and emotional competencies, such as effective communication, empathy, emotional regulation, perspective-taking, collaborative problem-solving, and aligning actions with personal values. Socio-emotional learning (SEL) nurtures these essential life skills, equipping individuals to flourish in all aspects of their lives.
As tweens traverse the intricate landscape of adolescence, they face a diverse array of challenges that profoundly influence their socio-emotional growth. At Healgood, we're committed to cultivating a nurturing environment where tweens can delve into their identities, foster resilience, and hone essential life skills.
Unlocking the Power of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The tween years represent a pivotal phase of transition, characterized by swift physical, cognitive, and emotional transformations. Amidst this period of change, tweens confront a variety of internal and external pressures, from navigating peer dynamics and academic responsibilities to asserting their growing independence. By prioritizing socio-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, we equip tweens with the confidence and resilience needed to navigate these challenges successfully.
The Critical Role of SEL in Tween Development
Research underscores the vital role of SEL in fostering positive outcomes for tweens, both academically and socially. By providing tweens with the tools to understand and manage their emotions, navigate complex social interactions, and make thoughtful decisions, we establish a robust foundation for their long-term success and well-being. At Healgood, we seamlessly weave SEL principles into our comprehensive care and services, embracing a holistic approach to tween development.
Inspiring Change Through Preventative Mental Healthcare
At Healgood, our mission extends beyond addressing immediate mental health concerns; we strive to make a lasting impact on our community by empowering individuals to build lives worth living. Many of our clients have shared their experiences of navigating challenges exacerbated by a lack of intentional SEL development, leading to heightened emotional distress and life difficulties. This feedback underscores the importance of our holistic approach and fuels our commitment to transitioning towards preventative mental healthcare, moving away from solely reactive tertiary care. From this vision, Camp Healgood℠ was conceived.
Embracing SEL for Future-Ready Tweens
As we equip tweens to face the challenges of tomorrow, our dedication to SEL remains steadfast. Through fostering confidence, resilience, and empathy, we empower tweens to navigate life's complexities with grace and determination. With Camp Healgood℠, we offer opportunities for tweens to strengthen and practice SEL and bring expertise in engaging and motivating young people, relationship-building, and culturally responsive practices.
With summer on the horizon, we invite tweens to embark on a transformative journey of socio-emotional exploration and growth at Camp Healgood℠. Registration is now open, providing a timely opportunity to invest in your tween's lifelong mental health journey. Join us in nurturing the next generation of resilient, empathetic, and empowered individuals at Camp Healgood℠.
References
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Robert J. Jagers, Deborah Rivas-Drake & Brittney Williams (2019) Transformative Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Toward SEL in Service of Educational Equity and Excellence, Educational Psychologist, 54:3, 162-184, DOI: 10.1080/00461520.2019.1623032
Payton, J. W., Wardlaw, D. M., Graczyk, P. A., Bloodworth, M. R., Tompsett, C. J., & Weissberg, R. P. (2000). Social and emotional learning: A framework for promoting mental health and reducing risk behavior in children and youth. Journal of school health, 70(5), 179-185.
LaBelle, B. (2023). Positive outcomes of a social-emotional learning program to promote student resiliency and address mental health. Contemporary School Psychology, 27(1), 1-7.
“Fundamentals of SEL - CASEL.” CASEL, https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.
“What Does the Research Say? - CASEL.” CASEL, https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/. Accessed 12 Apr. 2024.