When you consider social and emotional learning (SEL), robotics and computer science may not be the first subjects that come to mind. However, research demonstrates that computer science offers an interactive, practical method for students to develop and strengthen the essential interpersonal skills required to become resilient citizens, collaborative team members, and effective leaders.
Read on to find out how you can teach social and emotional learning with Marty the Robot and find our lessons on social and emotional learning here!
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and emotional learning is an educational approach that aims to develop emotional and social growth in students. At its heart, its goal is to help children become more aware of their feelings, manage them better, understand others, build strong relationships, and make wise choices.
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) is a prominent organization in this field, providing guidance and resources to educators to integrate SEL into school environments. CASEL’s framework emphasizes five core competencies:
Self-management
– regulating and controling one’s emotions and reactions effectively.
Self-awareness
– recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions and behaviors.
Social awareness
– empathizing with others and understanding their perspectives.
Relationship skills
– establishing and maintaining positive and meaningful connections with others.
Responsible Decision-Making
– making ethical and well-informed choices.
Essentially, it’s about teaching them essential life skills beyond academics, so they can be happier, more empathetic, and successful individuals.
Every time students embark on a robotics challenge, they’re not only tackling technical tasks but also developing vital social and emotional learning skills such as determination, teamwork, problem-solving, creative thinking, and cooperation.
How to teach Social and Emotional Learning with Marty the Robot:
Exploring Emotion
Objective: Express your emotion with Marty.
Activity: Ask each student to select an emotion from a list and program Marty to express it through movements, speech, facial expressions or sounds. Afterward, students can discuss what emotions they chose and why.
SEL Focus: This activity helps students explore and understand emotions, both in themselves and others. They can discuss the importance of empathy and recognizing feelings, contributing to their emotional intelligence.
Robotics Show and Tell
Objective: Promoting empathy and effective communication.
Activity: Assign each student a robot or a robotic project. They must then present their robot to the class as if it were a “show and tell.” They can discuss the robot’s features, functions, and any challenges they faced during the project.
SEL Focus: This activity encourages students to express themselves and fosters empathy as they listen to their peers. It also allows students to celebrate their achievements and showcase their creativity.
Team Problem Solving
Objective: Developing teamwork, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
Activity: Form small groups of students and provide them with a robotics challenge or problem to solve. Each group must work together to program their robots to complete the task. Emphasize the importance of effective communication and cooperation.
SEL Focus: This activity encourages students to work together, understand each other’s strengths, and navigate through problem-solving. They will learn to resolve conflicts and appreciate the value of teamwork.
We offer free, two-week trials with Marty the Robot. We’ll even cover shipping & collection costs and provide virtual training for teachers. Click here to arrange your trial.
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