Since the inception of social and emotional learning, a number of programs have been developed to facilitate this learning. Many social and emotional learning programs have helped a lot in meeting the teaching and training needs of children both at home and in school. However, it is very important to ascertain how genuine the program is and how well it meets the learning needs of the children intended. Many trainers will give a trial version of their program for an institution to test if it works or meets the needs of the children. This in itself is very helpful in landing a program of choice that not only gives value for money but makes the desired impact.
Before settling on any, you need to check how effective prospective social and emotional learning programs are. Where else have the programs been used? Have they brought change? What do the previous clients have to say about the programs? It is commendable to read through client feedback to have a feel of what previous users of the program have to say. If the users seem satisfied, you can go right ahead enroll your child in the program or acquire for use at school. Avoid any program that does not seem to satisfy previous users because it will not be helpful to you either.
There are social and emotional learning programs that are suitable for use at school while others are good for use at home. The environment within which you intend to use the program should inform your choice of program. Getting a program that is school-based may not be very helpful at home because it is meant for use amidst the daily activities happening in school. You therefore need to be keen to secure programs that will meet your needs.
Many social and emotional learning programs have been established to improve the emotional and social competence of the students. It is of great import however that there is full support from the developers of the program. Support and availability of developers helps in establishing that indeed the program bears its desired impact in the long run. Do not work with developers who are barely available to give support. There are times you need to consult on a thing or two which means that developers have just to be around the whole time.
Lessons learnt at school are better reinforced at home. There are programs that have components to involve the family in promoting social and emotional learning. This informs parents about the approach being used and how to support and enhance this learning. Such programs are quite holistic and learners gain both at school and home.
These tips will be helpful in choosing the best program for social and emotional learning.
