Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) provides the foundation for successfully working with young people. The Toolbox offers the SEL series created by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality to provide youth development professionals with the opportunity to build essential self-awareness in order to model and teach necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes. In addition to an introductory workshop, there are two tracks and several pathways available to engage in SEL professional development.
How does it work?
There are 10 workshops in total and individuals can work through all or selected ones based on needs. Each full workshop is designed to be three hours in length though can be condensed if needed. You can select:
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Intro to SEL Essentials (one workshop)
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Track One (three workshops)
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Track Two (three pathways, each with three workshops)
Introduction to SEL Essentials
This workshop provides an overview of what is involved in incorporating SEL practices into existing youth programs. The eight essential elements for readying and deepening a program’s efforts to foster social, emotional and cognitive development are explained, examining how SEL competencies, staff practices and program design interact to support positive student outcomes regardless of program curriculum or content. This workshop is recommended but not required in order to register for additional SEL tracks.
Foundations and Self-Awareness
In this foundational track, participants can register for up to three workshops designed to bring focus to self-awareness surrounding your own social, emotional and cognitive needs. Research has shown this is essential to supporting SEL skills in young people.
Completing this track qualifies you to take more in-depth workshops in any of the three pathways (cognitive, emotional or social) under track two.
Workshops:
- Cognitive Development
- Emotional Development
- Social Development
Cognitive Development Pathway
Three Workshops
In this pathway, participants can register for up to three workshops that involve the Plan, Do, Review process. Begin the pathway by focusing on your own initiative and problem solving abilities and then pivot to focus on how to apply these ideas into your work life and programming. This pathway dives into how to build a growth mindset and problem solving skills.
Workshops:
- Foundations and Self-Awareness of Cognitive Development
- Engaging Youth in Supported Struggle
- Facilitating Problem Solving
Emotional Development Pathway
Three Workshops
In this pathway, participants can register for up to three workshops that involve the atlas of emotions - anger, fear, disgust, sadness and joy. Begin by identifying your own emotions and how they affect your relationships professionally, personally and socially. Then begin to explore how to label, understand, validate and express emotions. Participants will learn about cultivating empathy and how connection between people helps to build trust and deepen relationships.
Workshops:
- Foundations and Self-Awareness of Emotional Development
- Emotion Coaching
- Cultivating Empathy
Social Development Pathway
Three Workshops
In this pathway, participants can register for up to three workshops that explore both individual identity and group role. We’ll introduce the five dysfunctions of a team - absence of trust, fear of conflict, avoidance of accountability, lack of commitment and inattention to results. Participants will learn about norm-building techniques and stages of group development, along with common challenges of group dynamics and group identity. We’ll also explore ways to build capacity for leadership and how leadership styles influence group dynamics.
Workshops:
- Foundations and Self-Awareness of Social Development
- Fostering Teamwork
- Promoting Responsibility and Leadership
