Microschools are an increasingly popular educational option for parents who are looking for more personalized and flexible learning environments for their children. These small, independent schools typically have fewer than 50 students and focus on tailoring the curriculum to meet the unique needs of each student. One key aspect of microschooling is the emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL), which involves teaching students skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and problem-solving. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of SEL in microschools and provide tips for incorporating it into your curriculum.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) refers to the process through which children and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies five core competencies of SEL:

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-management
3. Social awareness
4. Relationship skills
5. Responsible decision-making

Why is Social-Emotional Learning Important in Microschools?

In a microschool environment, where students and teachers are working closely together in a small, tight-knit community, social-emotional learning is particularly important. Students who develop strong social-emotional skills are better equipped to handle stress, build positive relationships, and succeed academically. Research has shown that SEL can have a positive impact on academic achievement, mental health, and long-term success.

According to a report by the Aspen Institute, "Microschooling's emphasis on social-emotional learning sets it apart from traditional schooling models. Social-emotional learning enables students to develop a range of important life skills that are essential for success, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. By prioritizing SEL, microschools are equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in school and beyond."

How Can You Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning in Your Microschool Curriculum?

Here are some tips for incorporating social-emotional learning into your microschool curriculum:

1. Make Social-Emotional Learning a Priority: Start by making social-emotional learning a priority in your school. Ensure that teachers understand the importance of SEL and are equipped to teach it effectively.
2. Create a Positive Classroom Environment: Establish a positive classroom environment that promotes respect, inclusivity, and open communication. Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
3. Use SEL Curriculum: Use a research-based social-emotional learning curriculum to teach students the five core competencies of SEL. Many curricula, such as the Second Step program, are designed specifically for microschools and can be easily integrated into the classroom.
4. Incorporate SEL into Academic Lessons: Integrate social-emotional learning into academic lessons whenever possible. For example, use literature to teach empathy or group projects to develop collaboration skills.
5. Use SEL Assessment: Regularly assess students' social-emotional skills to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Tools like the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment can help you identify students' strengths and areas for growth.

About Omella

Omella is an intuitive Microschool platform that simplifies payment and form processes, allowing microschool owners to save on credit card fees and hundreds of hours per month. Whether it's a $10,000 tuition payment or forms and waivers, Omella makes it easy to accept payments and collect information with over 100 ready-to-use templates for microschools. These templates include forms for waivers, pickup authorization, allergy notification, Chromebook checkout agreement, and more.

One of Omella's greatest advantages is its user-friendly interface, designed to be accessible for both school owners and parents/students. With just a few minutes of setup time, you can start using the platform right away, without needing any technical expertise or training.