In this engaging interview, Mrs. Renu Kumar, Principal, SKS World School, Greater Noida (West), UP, provides valuable insights into the integration of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) within her school’s educational framework. She elaborates on how SEL is woven into daily activities and how extracurriculars like the Annual Exhibition play a significant role in developing students’ socio-emotional skills. Mrs. Kumar also discusses the school’s approach to balancing academic excellence with extracurricular activities, highlighting the structured timetable that supports holistic student growth. She explains the importance of parental collaboration and the school’s strategies for leveraging alumni involvement to enhance student opportunities. Let’s dive in!
Q: Can you explain your understanding of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) and how it fits into your school’s educational approach?
Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of education that focuses on helping students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, empathy, and decision-making skills. Through SEL, students learn to understand and manage their own emotions, recognize and empathize with others’ feelings, and make constructive decisions that contribute to their personal and social well-being. In our school, SEL is deeply integrated into the educational approach by incorporating activity-based learning. For example, students engage in team-based quizzes and group discussions, which foster an environment where they can share ideas and collaborate effectively. This approach helps students practice empathy and social awareness as they work together, understand diverse perspectives, and set personal goals. By embedding SEL into daily activities and interactions, we aim to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are emotionally intelligent and capable of making positive contributions to their communities.
Q: What role do extracurricular activities play in promoting socio-emotional learning among students?
Extracurricular activities are pivotal in promoting socio-emotional learning (SEL) as they provide students with opportunities to apply and develop their socio-emotional skills outside the traditional classroom setting. For instance, during our Annual Exhibition, students work collaboratively to create and present projects or models. This experience fosters teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, allowing students to practice empathy and understand different viewpoints. By engaging in these activities, students learn to manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop a sense of responsibility. Extracurriculars also offer a platform for students to explore their interests and talents, which enhances their self-esteem and confidence. Overall, these activities complement academic learning by providing practical experiences that help students grow socially and emotionally.
Q: How does your school support students in finding a balance between academic excellence and participating in extracurricular activities?
Our school emphasizes a balanced approach to education by carefully structuring the timetable to ensure that students have adequate time for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. We design our schedules to include designated periods for academics as well as for activities like the Annual Exhibition, music, dance, and art. This balanced approach helps students manage their time effectively and avoid overwhelming them with either academics or extracurricular commitments. For example, the Annual Exhibition on July 27, 2024, allows students to work together on projects, fostering teamwork and creativity while also enhancing their academic skills. Participation in music, dance, and art further supports personal development and confidence-building. By providing structured opportunities for both types of activities, we aim to promote holistic growth and ensure that students excel academically while also developing their talents and interests.
Q: Does your school collaborate with parents to reinforce the importance of both academics and socio-emotional skills in students’ growth?
Yes, our school places a strong emphasis on collaboration with parents to reinforce the importance of academics and socio-emotional skills. We regularly conduct Parent-Teacher Meetings where educators discuss students’ academic performance and socio-emotional development with parents. These meetings are an opportunity to address any observed challenges and highlight areas for improvement. Additionally, we provide parents with guidance on how to support their children’s growth at home, fostering a partnership between school and family. Through one-on-one interactions, teachers, students, and parents work together to set goals and strategies that enhance students’ overall development. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive consistent support, both academically and emotionally, reinforcing their learning and personal growth.
Q: Do you feel balanced focus on academics, extracurricular activities, and socio-emotional learning is important in education? If so, how do you ensure that these aspects are integrated effectively into students’ overall development?
Yes, a balanced focus on academics, extracurricular activities, and socio-emotional learning (SEL) is essential for comprehensive education. Academics provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for intellectual growth, while extracurricular activities enrich students’ experiences and talents in areas like sports, arts, and music. SEL is equally important as it equips students with the emotional intelligence needed to navigate personal and social challenges effectively. To integrate these aspects into students’ development, our school designs a curriculum that includes a mix of academic lessons, extracurricular opportunities, and SEL initiatives. For example, we incorporate SEL principles into daily classroom activities and ensure that students have time for various extracurricular pursuits. By maintaining this balance, we support students in becoming well-rounded individuals who are academically proficient, socially skilled, and emotionally resilient, preparing them for future success in all areas of life.
Q: How does your school encourage and leverage alumni involvement to enhance the overall experience and opportunities for current students?
Our school actively encourages alumni involvement to enrich the current students’ experiences and opportunities. We invite alumni to participate in sports and other activities, allowing them to share their experiences and insights with current students. Alumni are often invited to speak in classrooms or participate in workshops, where they discuss their career journeys, successes, and challenges. This interaction provides students with real-world perspectives and practical advice. Additionally, alumni feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and adapt our programs to better meet students’ needs. By fostering this connection between past and present students, we create a supportive network that enhances the educational experience and provides valuable mentorship and inspiration for our current students.
