social-emotional learning Archives - Minds On Music

3 Ways to Build Grownup Social-Emotional Growth

A mom dances and builds social-emotional growth with her daughter in a Kindermusik class.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for children has been a huge focus in early childhood development over the past 10 years, but what about “Grownup Social-Emotional Growth?” It turns out, it’s just as critical for parents and caregivers to fill this specific brain bucket on a daily basis.

Not to be confused with a fancy face mask or a day at the beach, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

And while it can be hard to focus with little ones around, it’s important to recognize that parents and caregivers shouldn’t put social-emotional growth on hold for alone time.

3 Ways Music Boosts Social-Emotional Learning in ANY Environment

Preschoolers connect hands during a partner dance to boost teamwork, empathy, and other social-emotional learning skills.

Social-emotional learning is a critical piece to positive early childhood development, and we know that music can accelerate this growth.

But how can educators and families consistently use music to boost social-emotional skills in different learning environments?

How Shared Music-Making Nurtures Emotional Intelligence

Two 1-year-old boys pass instruments to each other during a Kindermusik class; early cooperative play like this supports emotional intelligence.

What is emotional intelligence?

Since the early 90s, early educators have been keenly interested in “emotional intelligence” (the awareness of our emotions, how to manage them, and use them) and its connection to wellness and success. What we know now is that a child’s brain is primed for nurturing emotional intelligence, and there are scientifically proven reasons why shared music-making is the best nurturing tool out there.