Social and Emotional Learning

Young people with well-developed emotional skills are aware of and understand their feelings and emotions. People's social skills are those required when associating with a group. People with healthy emotional and social skills are more likely to have a positive self-image, be self assured and independent. They are able to share in social situations as well as win and lose graciously. They are able to think, problem solve, and make decisions with confidence. Three important skills in social and emotional learning are self-regulation of emotions, self-awareness, and self-monitoring and performance. Self-regulation of emotions is the ability to manage one's feelings and coping with them. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understanding one's emotions. Self-monitoring and performance is the ability set goals and complete tasks. I find these abilities to be very crucial, even necessary for success later in life. In the book The Catcher In The Rye, by JD Salinger, Holden demonstrated that he lacks important social and emotional skills needed for success. In the novel The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingslover, Taylor shows many social and emotional traits needed to succeed and to be independent. In the movie The Dead Poet's Society, directed by Peter Weir, Neil shows to have great social skills that enhance developing and maintaining relationships with his close friends. However, Neil lacks major emotional skills, which left him feeling overwhelmed and trapped. In each of these situations, adequate social skills make life easier. Learning how to feel feelings without getting or staying overwhelmed is an important life skill. Throughout our life we encounter people and events that hold the potential for great joy and satisfaction. Too often, people miss out on good times in life because they lack the skills they need to feel well. Feeling well does not mean there isn't pain, anger,