Embodied social-emotional learning in early childhood

Embodied social-emotional learning in early childhood
By Elaine Lau, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
School-based social emotional learning (SEL) programs first emerged in North America and have gradually become an important component of early childhood education across the globe. In view of the nature of social-emotional competencies being inherently embodied and culturally responsive, Hayashi and colleagues recently proposed a bioecological and embodied framework for the development and implementation of a SEL curriculum.
 
Following CASEL’s Framework for Systemic Social and Emotional Learning, they emphasized that the design of any SEL curriculum or program should consider the culture and adopt situated and embodied learning in order to allow children to be able to develop SEL competencies that are transferrable to or applied in other contexts, such as at home or in the community. As different cultures have differences in values, beliefs, and norms or customs, the interactions, behaviours, and engagements considered to constitute social competence might vary across cultures. They proposed an approach in which culture-specific values, beliefs and customs are taken into consideration to drive the development and implementation of a SEL curriculum. 
 
The authors highlighted two practical and policy implications for creating culturally responsive SEL programs:
 
  • Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Attention should be paid to sociocultural and historical contexts in the design, implementation and assessment of a SEL curriculum and programs.
  • Avoid direct transfer and forceful introduction of Western-based curricula into a specific culture. Combine the indigenous ways of learning and consider the backgrounds and needs of the children, families, and communities that are being served.

Views: 79

▶ Reply to This

JOIN SL 2.0

SUBSCRIBE TO

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP 2.0

Feedspot named School Leadership 2.0 one of the "Top 25 Educational Leadership Blogs"

"School Leadership 2.0 is the premier virtual learning community for school leaders from around the globe."

---------------------------

 Our community is a subscription-based paid service ($19.95/year or only $1.99 per month for a trial membership)  that will provide school leaders with outstanding resources. Learn more about membership to this service by clicking one of our links below.

 

Click HERE to subscribe as an individual.

 

Click HERE to learn about group membership (i.e., association, leadership teams)

__________________

CREATE AN EMPLOYER PROFILE AND GET JOB ALERTS AT 

SCHOOLLEADERSHIPJOBS.COM

New Partnership

image0.jpeg

Mentors.net - a Professional Development Resource

Mentors.net was founded in 1995 as a professional development resource for school administrators leading new teacher induction programs. It soon evolved into a destination where both new and student teachers could reflect on their teaching experiences. Now, nearly thirty years later, Mentors.net has taken on a new direction—serving as a platform for beginning teachers, preservice educators, and

other professionals to share their insights and experiences from the early years of teaching, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence. We invite you to contribute by sharing your experiences in the form of a journal article, story, reflection, or timely tips, especially on how you incorporate AI into your teaching

practice. Submissions may range from a 500-word personal reflection to a 2,000-word article with formal citations.

© 2026   Created by William Brennan and Michael Keany   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service