What is SEAL?

1. What is SEAL? Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning Secondary SEAL – A Quick Guide

2. What are the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning? • The underpinning qualities and skills that help us manage life and learning effectively. • There are five social and emotional aspects of learning…

3. Self-awareness

4. Managing feelings

5. Motivation

6. Empathy

7. Social Skills

8. What is secondary SEAL? A comprehensive approach to promoting the social and emotional skills for all who learn and work in schools. It underpins: • Effective learning • Positive behaviour and good attendance • Staff effectiveness • Emotional health and well-being • Positive relationships

9. What are the key elements ofSecondary SEAL? These include; • a whole-school approach to creating the climate and conditions that promote, reinforce and consolidate the social and emotional skills • specific learning opportunities (during form time, across the main curriculum, in withdrawal groups) • learning and teaching approaches that support pupils to learn social and emotional skills and help to consolidate those already learnt • continuing professional development for the whole staff of a school.

10. Some examples of SEAL Learning Outcomes Self-awareness 4. I recognise when I should feel pleased with, and proud of, myself and am able to accept praise from others. 9. I understand why feelings sometimes ‘take over’ or get out of control and know what makes me angry or upset Managing my feelings 17. I understand how health can be affected by emotions and know a range of ways to keep myself well and happy. Motivation 20. I can break a long-term goal into small, achievable steps. Empathy 31. I can work out how people are feeling through their words, body language, gestures and tone, and pay attention to them. Social Skills 39. I can communicate effectively with others, listening to what others say as well as expressing my own thoughts and feelings.

11. Massage in Schools This is a worldwide programme of peer-to-peer massage training… • For children to understand how massage is linked to well being and to gain an understanding how this can affect their learning. • To learn the peer-to-peer massage routine within their year group.

12. What is it? • The programme develops nurturing touch in a school setting.  It is based on respect and involves a formal massage routine and related activities. The clothed, peer massage is: • For children 4-12 years old • Given and received with the child’s permission • Given by the children, to each other • On the back, head, arms and han • Undertaken with respect • All children have the right to say ‘no’ to touch and still be included in the activity

13. Objectives • To experience how the MISP can lead to a change in attitude and behaviour. • To use the MISP as a part of the transition to secondary school and as a tool to develop positive social interactions. • To link to school values and the new SEAL learning outcomes

14. Background All children can benefit from use of positive touch. It is used: • To calm children and improve concentration – massage works on the parasympathetic nervous system and can reduce adrenalin, increase serotonin etc • To develop social skills – children can learn empathy experientially and learn the language of permission and learn boundaries. • To avoid ‘yo-yo’ friendships and bullying in the early years • To help children discuss their feelings • As a tool for learning • As a tool to develop a positive social network within the transition stage of starting secondary school. • To identify those children who require further support.