CASEL 5 SEL Competencies

To get a more deeper understanding of social-emotional learning (SEL), we can use and refer to the CASEL Wheel. 

The CASEL wheel refers to 5 broad areas of competencies including: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Social-emotional learning is crucial as it fosters emotional intelligence and personal development. Using the CASEL wheel can support the process of practicing and applying knowledge and strategies. 

Social-Emotional Learning can help build our abilities and understanding in: 

Self-awareness: the ability to identify our own feelings, values, strengths, limitations, and our personal feelings and emotions and how it influences our actions and behaviours 

ex) what are my strengths in school? How do I feel when I am stressed? 

• exploring identities 
• identifying and building on personal strengths 
• developing interests and goals 
• exploring personality and learning styles 

Self-management: the ability to manage our feelings, thoughts and emotions in different contexts and situations

ex) What are some strategies that can help me calm down and regulate my emotions? 

• practice growth mindset 
• foster emotional regulation and stress management strategies 
• promote perseverance and motivation 
• set personal goals and develop plans 

Social Awareness: the ability to understand and empathize with others and their perspectives 

ex) How can I comfort my friends when they are hurt? 

• build compassion and empathy 
• listen and recognize others' point of views and thoughts 
• understand and practice gratitude 
• identify and appreciate diversity in people and contexts 

Relationship Skills: the ability to communicate and connect with other people respectfully, safely, and effectively 

ex) What strategies can I use to interact with my classmates appropriately and respectfully? How can I make friends? 

• build and maintain healthy and positive relationships with others 
• develop social skills and teamwork
• practice conflict resolution skills and foster support 
• understand and demonstrate cultural competency 

Responsible Decision-Making: the ability to make safe, positive, and constructive choices about our behaviour and actions

ex) What can I do to solve a problem? What strategies I can use when faced in a challenge? 

• understand and practice critical thinking and decision-making skills 
• learn to evaluate and analyze information and evidence to make logical judgements
• practice problem-solving skills such as identifying solutions and alternatives 
• examine and reflect on choices, consequences, and roles 

Using the CASEL wheel, we can help cultivate skills, attitudes and inclusive environments in these 5 SEL competencies that develop and strengthen students' learning and development. 

Teaching SEL during childhood can provide the opportunities, experiences, and time for students to acquire the foundational skills and practice strategies in various learning and cultural contexts. The goal is to empower young students to build their academic success, school and civic engagement, overall health and wellness and ultimately, become an active and responsible citizen in the community. These 5 SEL competencies are essentially life skills that allows students to learn, grow, and thrive successfully academically, emotionally, and socially. 

References: 

ACT for Youth Center for Community Action. (n.d.). Social and Emotional Learning: An Activity Toolkit. What’s in the Toolkit? - SEL Toolkit . https://actforyouth.org/program-toolkit/yd-activities/sel/

Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning - CASEL. (2023, March 3). What is the Casel Framework? https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-is-the-casel-framework/#responsible