Today is Day 3 of Elevo’s SEL-ebration Week in celebration of SEL Day on March 10, 2023. Each day this week, we will be focusing on a different CASEL competency, diving deep into the basis of WASC-accredited curriculum. Today’s competency is social awareness.
Being cognizant of those around you is crucial to fostering healthy personal, professional, and community relationships. How are they feeling? What are they thinking? How are your actions impacting them? Having a healthy level of concern is a result of social awareness. Cultivating this competency within yourself is an important piece of success.
Socially aware people have the ability to understand others’ perspectives and empathize with them, even if they are from diverse backgrounds, cultures, or contexts. They understand any expectations their community may have of them. They’re also fully aware of the support and resources they get from their social circles. Social awareness allows one to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical themes, and adapt to social norms in a variety of settings.
Additionally, empathy is a large part of social awareness. Those who understand this concept are able to easily take on other people’s perspectives, showing consideration and concern for others when appropriate. This lets socially aware people identify diverse social norms, including those that are unjust. Even if they disagree with other people’s views, they choose to use courteous language and maintain a restorative mindset. They find diversity to be enriching and fulfilling.
To help our students become more socially aware, we encourage them to be able to see the world through other people’s eyes. Our coaches consistently lead discussions about social awareness. This opens the conversation up for students to be curious about this SEL competency and learn how they can incorporate it into their daily lives.
Social awareness is a difficult skill to master. From accurately identifying what you or another person is feeling to responding appropriately and courteously, social intelligence is fundamental to forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Focusing on your social awareness can also help you become more adaptable when navigating group dynamics. The benefits reach far and wide!
