Social Emotional Learning and English Language Learners

Abstract

Social emotional learning (SEL) is a process of obtaining and effectually applying 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 in life for both children and adults. There are many challenges that English language learners (ELL) face in comparison to their English-speaking peers. ELLs have the challenges of learning a new language, culture, and academic and social-emotional skills. In this capstone I examine the overarching The research suggests that integrating SEL into the classroom curriculum and culture can support elementary students to better manage personal and collective behavior, to improve attendance rates, and to raise student achievement rates for ELLs. This capstone includes a professional development on SEL for teachers working with ELLs and mainstream students. The goals of the PD are to learn, understand, create and implement SEL activities. There is a great need for additional research on implementing SEL in classrooms with ELLs.