Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL): Improving behaviour, improving learning

Theme 5: Good to be me

This theme is the first of two focusing specifically on feelings. It explores feelings in the context of the child as an individual, developing self-awareness and helping the child to realise that it really is ‘Good to be me'.

The theme is about understanding our feelings as well as considering our strengths and weaknesses as learners. It aims to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in three key social and emotional aspects of learning: self-awareness, managing feelings and empathy. The theme focuses on:

• understanding feelings, and why and how they lead us to behave the way we do – excited, proud, surprised, hopeful, disappointed, worried and anxious;
• self-awareness – feeling good about myself, taking risks;
• managing my feelings – relaxing, coping with anxiety;
• standing up for myself – assertiveness, standing up for my views.

Find all the related activities and resources in the Attachments panel on the right hand side of your screen.