Welcome to The Heart of Learning: Understanding Social and Emotional Development! This site was created for educators who believe that teaching the whole child means nurturing both the mind and the heart. Here, you’ll explore how early life—beginning even before birth—shapes the foundation for emotional health, empathy, and social connection. You’ll also find practical classroom strategies to support students’ emotional growth, build resilience, and foster positive relationships. Together, we can help every child develop the confidence and compassion needed to thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.

“The Importance of Social and Emotional Learning”

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students build empathy, self-awareness, and relationship skills that influence lifelong success. Research shows that students who engage in SEL programs demonstrate improved academic performance, reduced emotional distress, and stronger interpersonal relationships (CASEL, 2023).