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What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a process of acquiring the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It involves developing self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making abilities.

Social-emotional learning aims to promote emotional and social intelligence, enhance students' academic performance, and improve their overall well-being. It is typically taught in schools, but it can also be applied in other settings, such as counseling centers, community organizations, and healthcare institutions. The goal of SEL is to help individuals become more resilient, empathetic, and socially responsible, and to support them in developing positive relationships and achieving their full potential.

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Why Are Social-Emotional Learning Programs Important for Children?

Several positive outcomes can be observed when children participate in social-emotional learning programs:

Improved Academic Performance SEL programs can improve academic performance by teaching children self-awareness, self-regulation, and other skills that help them focus and learn more effectively.
Increased Emotional Intelligence Children who participate in programs learn to identify and manage their emotions, which can improve their overall emotional intelligence and well-being.
Better Social Skills Children are taught how to build positive relationships with others, work collaboratively, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Enhanced Mental Health Social-emotional learning programs can help children develop coping skills and resilience, which can reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes.

SEL programs for parents, teachers and children The Incredible Years® Series

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The Incredible Years® Parenting Programs

The Incredible Years parenting programs, which are based on empirical evidence, prioritize enhancing parenting skills and encouraging parental engagement in their children's educational experiences to boost their academic, social, and emotional development while also mitigating behavioral issues.

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The Incredible Years® Programs for Children

The Incredible Years programs for children employ dinosaur-themed materials and life-size puppets to captivate and enhance children's abilities in areas such as developing friendships, managing anger, solving problems, following school rules, and other relevant skills.

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The Incredible Years® Programs for Teachers

The Incredible Years programs for teachers equip educators and early childhood professionals with the expertise to proficiently manage their classrooms while cultivating children's social, emotional, and academic skills.

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Ready to Purchase an SEL Program Set?

Visit the Incredible Years Online Store to purchase curriculum materials.