The education world is abuzz with the discussion of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and central to this conversation is the framework established by CASEL (The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). With its evidence-based competencies that outline the core areas of SEL, CASEL has become the benchmark for programs in this field. Peekapak, an innovative SEL program, has designed its curriculum to align with CASEL’s 5 core competencies, providing educators and students with a meaningful and engaging learning experience. This blog post delves into how Peekapak’s SEL solutions mirror the CASEL framework, making it a top choice for those searching for a CASEL-aligned SEL program.
Understanding CASEL’s Competencies
Before exploring Peekapak’s alignment, it is crucial to understand the five core SEL competencies that CASEL advocates:
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Social awareness
- Relationship skills
- Responsible decision-making
Each competency is essential in helping students to better understand and manage their own emotions, set and achieve goals, feel empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make thoughtful, ethical decisions.
Peekapak’s Curriculum and CASEL Alignment
Peekapak has integrated these five core competencies into its K12 SEL curriculum, which is evident in the following ways:
1. Self-Awareness with Peekapak
Through interactive stories and storytelling, Peekapak encourages students to recognize and label their emotions, thoughts, and values. The program’s engaging narratives prompt reflective discussions, enabling students to understand their strengths and self-perception, a direct reflection of the self-awareness competency.
2. Self-Management through Storytelling
Peekapak’s lessons are designed to teach students how to regulate emotions, manage stress, show respect, build perseverance and more. With character-driven scenarios, students learn to apply self-management skills in various contexts, aligning with CASEL’s emphasis on this vital SEL competency.
3. Fostering Social Awareness
Peekapak excels in promoting social awareness by exposing students to diverse perspectives through its storytelling. Characters from different backgrounds and with different challenges teach empathy, respect, and appreciation for diversity, mirroring the social awareness competency.
4. Developing Relationship Skills
Collaboration and communication are key aspects of Peekapak’s activities. Group discussions and projects based on the stories help students to build relationship skills, learn to work cooperatively, resolve conflicts, and seek help when needed, all in line with CASEL’s relationship skills competency.
5. Encouraging Responsible Decision-Making
Finally, Peekapak’s curriculum empowers students to make responsible choices about personal and social behavior. The story-driven dilemmas and subsequent discussions encourage thoughtful consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, and the well-being of others, showcasing Peekapak’s commitment to CASEL’s responsible decision-making competency.
In the search for effective SEL programs that are CASEL-aligned, Peekapak stands out as a leader in the field. Its curriculum, deeply rooted in the CASEL framework, offers educators and students an engaging and comprehensive pathway to mastering SEL competencies. Peekapak not only aligns with the CASEL competencies but brings them to life through a storytelling approach that resonates with students and fosters a deeper understanding of social-emotional skills. As educators continue to prioritize SEL, Peekapak’s CASEL-aligned program remains a distinguished and powerful tool in the development of well-rounded, emotionally intelligent young individuals.
Who is Peekapak
Peekapak is committed to helping children become successful, compassionate, caring, and empathetic citizens of the world! How? By teaching children important SEL skills so that topics like gratitude, perseverance, and respect become not just something they hear about, but a part of who they are. They strive to accomplish this by creating a company and a curriculum that makes SEL fun, easy and seamless for teachers, parents and especially children, so that kids learn without even realizing it. Peekapak’s learning platform can be implemented in person, online or in hybrid teaching models, providing flexible learning solutions for all school boards. Learn more at peekapak.com
