Personal Development

Why Social-emotional learning should be at the Heart of Your School Curriculum

School classrooms have become very complex environments. And that’s without referring to challenges like funding, curriculum changes and managing different learning styles.

Screen time, social media, and long hours of gaming are eroding things like basic social skills, the ability to make eye contact and build and maintain friendships. Anxiety levels are high, self-esteem levels are low and those are just the ones that make it to class.

Leaving educators trying to balance many complicated levels of sensitive and diverse needs. 

The bottom line is, that in terms of essential social intelligence skills, students just don’t have what they need.

So how can we help them?

Kotahitanga: Unity

I have worked with the most incredible people. Prior to our days together we have planned, discussed, shared and collaborated. There are hours of mahi that go into preparing a day that will guide their teams towards exploring and applying the intended learning. These days do not happen in an ad hoc way. They are personalised, and crafted to suit their unique context.

What's in a word?

Each year people set themselves goals. To get fitter, spend more time with family and friends, get to that next level at work, grow their own veggies - the list is limitless.

James Clear says “Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress”, and so I have set this intention as the screensaver on my phone and laptop. It is also present as a card in my house. I keep it in front of me so it remains front of mind. It’s like a lens through which I see and operate with the world.

What does it take?

Why does it often take a major event to spur us into action regarding what we've long considered but postponed? Why do we sacrifice our desires when we could, in fact, have it all? What limiting beliefs hinder us from reaching our higher selves? Perhaps you're holding back on a decision, avoiding a crucial action, or letting independence hinder seeking support. Perhaps also, we need to redefine what success looks like.