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Explicitly Teaching Mental Health and Social Emotional Learning

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What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? According to Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), “SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” When can I find time to teach SEL skills and topics around mental health? Social emotional learning (SEL) skills are embedded within the Ontario Curriculum and are essential for success in school and in life. In the Health and Physical Education curriculum, there is a large focus on the connection between physical and mental health and how taking care of your mental health is crucial for healthy development.  Some of the main topics covered in the HPE curriculum include helping students to: Understand that mental health is a part of o...
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Supporting Students' Mental Health in the Classroom

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The Reality of Mental Health Among Youth Mental health is a growing concern among students in schools and can act as a significant barrier to learning. According to the Ontario College of Teachers: 1 in 5 students experience a mental health illness or concern each year.  Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among teens. 1.2 million children and youth are affected by mental illness. Less than 20% receive appropriate treatment.  What Can We Do In the classroom, we are interacting with students every day who have mental health concerns or who are reporting poor mental health. Teachers have the opportunity to develop relationships and take on the role as a trusted, caring adult in students' lives. Therefore, we are well positioned to teach students about mental health, to identify students at risk, and connect them with additional support. Here are some ideas as to what we can do: 1.Create a Safe Space Welcome students. Smile and greet students as they enter the classroom. Bu...
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