As someone who has dealt with anxiety since childhood, I found school particularly challenging due to the overwhelming social and academic pressures. But what if schools could equip children with the tools to manage their emotions, cope with stress, and build healthier relationships?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses vital skills, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, goal setting, empathy development, and maintaining positive relationships. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the U.K. have made strides in integrating these competencies into their educational systems, while the U.S. is gradually catching up, with an increasing demand for such programs.
The Resilience Builder Program
A notable initiative is the Resilience Builder Program, developed by psychologist Sarah Jennings. This 12-week group therapy course aims to assist students grappling with trauma, cognitive challenges, and anxiety. Specifically targeting fifth graders, the program prepares them for the heightened pressures of middle school, where issues surrounding substance use and peer relationships become more pronounced.
The Resilience Builder Program consists of 30 group sessions designed to empower young individuals to overcome life’s challenges by fostering confidence, self-esteem, self-control, and effective coping strategies. Key focus areas include:
- A proactive mindset toward life
- Self-regulation of attention, emotions, and behavior
- Building social connections and attachments
- Recognition of achievements and talents
- Strengthening community ties
- Encouraging proactive parenting
These sessions enhance self-awareness, flexible thinking, and social competence through discussions, role-playing, and practical learning. Participants explore topics such as self-talk, personal space, problem-solving, and managing emotions related to anger and anxiety. They also practice relaxation techniques, including calm breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga-inspired self-regulation. The program further engages families through homework assignments and community field trips, fostering lasting interpersonal skills beyond the group context.
Impact and Findings
Preliminary findings indicate significant improvements after completing this 12-week program. Teachers and parents have observed that students with ADHD exhibit increased sociability, better emotional regulation, and reduced hyperactivity. Similarly, children with anxiety reported enhanced emotional control, decreased feelings of depression, and improved social, emotional, and behavioral management.
Studies affirm that teaching children social and emotional skills yields effective, long-lasting benefits. A recent analysis found that participants in SEL programs were 11% more likely to graduate from college and faced lower risks of mental health issues and arrests compared to their peers who did not participate.
Conclusion
Advocating for social and emotional learning, whether through group therapy or other training methods, is essential for prioritizing our children’s well-being in schools. Such programs have proven successful for those who need it most. Meanwhile, incorporating mindfulness practices at home can also help nurture these skills.
As Sarah Jennings aptly stated, “If students can develop resilience and adapt to emotional challenges, it benefits everyone.”
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Summary
School group therapy programs like the Resilience Builder Program offer vital support for students struggling with emotional and social challenges. By teaching essential skills such as emotional regulation and resilience, these initiatives significantly impact students’ well-being and academic success.