Social Emotional Learning
Building Skills for School, Relationships, and Life
At Hertford County Public Schools, we believe student success includes more than academics. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop skills that support learning, positive relationships, responsible decision-making, and success in school and beyond.
SEL is the process through which children and adults develop and use skills to understand themselves, manage emotions, work toward goals, show empathy, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. HCPS uses the five core competency areas identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
This Month's SEL Focus
SEL Core Competency of the Month
Each month, HCPS highlights one social emotional learning competency or skill to help students, staff, and families build a shared understanding of SEL.
The Five SEL Core Competencies
CASEL identifies five interconnected areas of social and emotional competence.
Self-Awareness
Understanding your emotions, thoughts, strengths, and areas for growth.
Self-Management
Managing emotions and behaviors, setting goals, and using strategies to work toward those goals.
Social Awareness
Understanding the perspectives of others, showing empathy, and recognizing the strengths and needs of people around us.
Relationship Skills
Building and maintaining healthy relationships through communication, cooperation, problem-solving, and resolving conflict.
Responsible Decision-Making
Making thoughtful, caring, and constructive choices about behavior and interactions with others.
Explore the CASEL 5 and SEL Framework
For Families & Caregivers
Families are important partners in children's social and emotional development. In fact, CASEL describes families as children's first teachers and emphasizes authentic partnerships between schools and families.
Supporting SEL at Home
Families can help children strengthen social and emotional skills in simple, everyday ways:
- Ask your child how they are feeling—and listen.
- Help your child name and manage strong emotions.
- Encourage your child to think through problems and possible solutions.
- Talk about how choices affect other people.
- Model respectful communication during disagreements.
- Encourage your child to consider another person's point of view.
- Celebrate effort, growth, perseverance, and responsible choices.
- Establish routines that support attendance, organization, sleep, and preparation for school.