Social-Emotional Learning At Home

CAPACares’ Community Education team has started their Second Step Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes for the 2025–26 school year!

SEL is an important part of many classrooms today. It helps kids of all ages learn skills like showing empathy, handling emotions, and making good choices. The great part is that learning doesn’t stop when school ends—you can practice SEL at home too!

Here are some simple ways to use Second Step SEL skills at home:

1. Use the same words your child hears at school. They may hear phrases like “calm-down strategies” or “respectful listening.” You can try saying:
   1. “What calm-down strategy can you use now?”  
   2. “Remember respectful listening—look at me, and wait your turn to talk.” 
2. Practice managing emotions together. Students learn to use tools like belly breathing and positive self-talk. You can help by modeling and practicing these at home:
   1. Take belly breaths together when things feel overwhelming.
   2. Say encouraging phrases aloud: “I can handle this,” or “It’s okay to make mistakes” 
3. Practice empathy. Encourage your child to think about how others feel by asking questions like: “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
4. Try problem-solving together. Use the S-T-E-P method:
   S: Say the problem
   T: Think of solutions 
   E: Explore consequences 
   P: Pick the best solution
5. Celebrate positive behavior. When you notice your child making a good choice, point it out! For example: “I noticed you used your words instead of yelling – great job calming down!” 
6. Stay connected to what’s happening at school. Many SEL programs send home updates about what students are learning. If you don’t receive them, ask your child’s teacher how to stay updated on their weekly SEL focus.

Lindsey Neely, LMSW – CAPACares Community Education Manager