SEL Competencies

1. Self-Awareness

1.1. Acknowledging our emotions is always the first step to helping better understand our feelings. Personally, I will make sure to have regular check-ins with myself, especially when I’m having a busy week, to ensure i’m aware of how I’m doing. At times, we can be on such “push-through” mindset that we forget to check on ourselves and recognize what we’re doing because we are so set on getting our tasks done. It is in these busy times that I prioritize checking in with my emotions to be aware of how stressed/worried/anxious I am as acknowledgement is the first step to rectifying the issue.

2. Responsible Decision-Making

2.1. All relationships will come with some form of disagreement at one point or another. Having the skills to work through these disagreements allows us to avoid unnecessary conflicts between people and aids in open conversation. I have always believed that communication is the most important thing when it comes to making decisions or when faced with conflicting ideas. Communicating allows us to better put into perspective what choices we should make.

3. Self-Management

3.1. Once I have acknowledged the feelings I am experiencing, when i notice that I am stressed/anxious, I take the time to prioritize making time for the things that bring me joy and help regulate my emotions. Whether those are things like being in nature, taking the time to do hobbies/activities, or just taking a rest day to just relax. Everyone has different ways of managing their emotions; some like to talk it out to someone, others like to write it out through journaling. Self-management is unique to each person and taking the time to see what works for you is vital. Giving students a variety of self-management techniques allows them to see what works for them.

4. Social Awareness

4.1. Having the ability to empathize with others and sympathize with others emotions is a skill I pride myself on. It’s something I have always carried with me, and is something I always teach students around me. Being able to read people’s emotions through behaviour and body language is a skill that we all should carry. When we take the time to better understand people and their feelings, it allows not only for connections to be made but new perspectives to be taught. It is that teaching that is so important.

4.2. Having the ability to empathize with others and sympathize with others emotions is a skill I pride myself on. It’s something I have always carried with me, and is something I always teach students around me. Being able to read people’s emotions through behaviour and body language is a skill that we all should carry. When we take the time to better understand people and their feelings, it allows not only for connections to be made but new perspectives to be taught. It is that teaching that is so important.

5. Relationship Skills

5.1. Relationships are such a vital part of our mental health and our overall well-being. Being surrounded by loved ones and people we care about and who care about us has a big effect on us. I was quite shy as a child and so doing new activities always used to worry me no matter how excited I was, because I would always worry about being able to make friends. Putting myself in situations where I needed to converse and make friends was important to me, as it not only built my social skills but also allowed me to create a community of people for myself. Having people there for you is important to our growth, and learning to be there for others and is just as vital.