Are you a parent or teacher of a 9-year-old child, wondering about the connection between their social emotional skills and academic achievement? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the link between these two essential aspects of a child’s development and how you can support your child to thrive in both.
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by social emotional skills. These refer to a set of abilities that enable us to understand, express, and control our emotions, as well as communicate effectively with others and solve problems. Social emotional skills include self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and responsible decision-making.
Now, you may be wondering, how do these skills relate to academic achievement in 9-year-olds? The answer lies in the fact that these skills are fundamental building blocks for success in the classroom. For instance, children with high levels of self-awareness are better able to manage their emotions, focus on their work, and persist at challenging tasks. Children with strong social skills are more likely to collaborate with their peers, seek help from teachers when needed, and communicate effectively.
Moreover, research shows that social emotional skills can have a significant impact on academic performance. According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, children who demonstrate higher levels of social emotional competency in kindergarten are more likely to score higher on standardized tests in reading and math in third grade. This effect is especially pronounced for low-income children, who are at greater risk of experiencing negative academic outcomes due to a lack of access to resources and support.
So, how can parents and teachers foster social emotional skills in 9-year-olds and support their academic success? Here are some strategies to try:
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Encourage self-reflection and awareness: Encourage your child to reflect on their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and connect them to academic outcomes. For instance, ask your child how they feel when they struggle with a particular subject and help them identify strategies to regulate their emotions and stay focused.
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Promote social interactions and communication: Encourage your child to engage in positive interactions with peers, teachers, and other adults. Practice active listening skills and help your child develop effective communication strategies.
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Practice problem-solving and decision-making skills: Encourage your child to take responsibility for their choices and practice decision-making skills in various contexts. For instance, involve your child in decision-making processes at home, such as choosing a new book to read or planning a family activity.
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Provide positive feedback and support: Celebrate your child’s successes, no matter how small, and provide positive feedback that reinforces their social emotional skills. Additionally, seek out resources and support from teachers, counselors, and other professionals to help your child thrive.
the link between social emotional skills and academic achievement in 9-year-olds is a critical one, and it’s essential to nurture both aspects of a child’s development to ensure their success. By promoting self-awareness, social skills, and problem-solving abilities, parents and teachers can set children up for academic success and prepare them for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
You also could see another post where we talk about WHAT ARE SOME EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING EMOTIONAL REGULATION TO 9-YEAR-OLDS? .
Some facts you might be interested in
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There is a significant positive correlation between social emotional skills and academic achievement in 9yearolds. According to a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, higher levels of social emotional competence in 9yearolds were associated with higher academic achievement scores. Additionally, a review of literature by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) found that students who participate in social emotional learning programs improve their academic achievement by an average of 11 percentile points. These studies suggest that developing social emotional skills can translate to academic success in 9yearolds.
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