KEY TERMS & DEFINITIONS
WHAT IS MENTAL WELLNESS?
A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
-The World Health Organization
WHAT IS SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING?
Social emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students develop essential skills for managing their emotions, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. It is a critical aspect of a student’s overall education that helps them succeed in school and beyond.
WHY SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING?
SEL is particularly important for student mental wellness because it equips them with the tools to navigate challenges in their personal and academic lives. By learning how to identify and manage their emotions, students can build resilience and avoid the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Additionally, SEL fosters a sense of belonging and community, which can help students feel supported and valued.
Our goal is to provide protective factors to support all students’ social and emotional development in hopes that this will create a foundation of mental wellness.
Teaching conflict resolution skills to students is an important aspect of their social and emotional development. By learning how to effectively communicate, listen, and compromise, students can build positive relationships and resolve conflicts in a respectful manner.