More than a fifth of India's population are young adults, making it the country with the highest proportion of adolescents worldwide. According to a meta-analysis, 23.3% of school-aged children and adolescents and 6.5% of the general population suffer from psychiatric problems. Suicide is the primary cause of death for young people in India, where it has the highest rate in the world. According to the National Mental Health Survey (2015–2016), the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in those aged 13–17 was 7% and about equal for men and women. When complicated social dynamics are combined with the expectation to perform academically, children may feel overburdened. An integration of the Social and Emotional Learning(SEL) framework into the school curriculum gives them the tools they need to deal with these difficulties.This blog explores the significance of SEL through literature and how it can positively impact the development of well-rounded Indian children.
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
According to CASEL, Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an essential component of education and human development. It is a process by which all young people and adults learn and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to develop a positive personality, regulate emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and sustain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.Literature has always been a reflection of society's ideals, challenges, and goals. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about different cultures and experiences. When combined with SEL, literature is an effective tool for teaching empathy, critical thinking, and self-awareness.
Here's how Literature improves SEL
Compassion and Perspective-Taking: Stories bring readers into the lives of characters from distinct backgrounds. Stepping into their shoes helps pupils understand and appreciate various viewpoints. This process fosters empathy, allowing youngsters to relate to the emotions and experiences of others.
Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness: Many characters in literature experience complex emotional journeys. As readers examine these characters' reactions to various events, they acquire insight into their own emotions and behaviours. This reflection promotes self-awareness and dealing with emotions.
Problem- Solving and Critical Thinking: Literature promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills by depicting conflicts and resolutions. Analysing characters' decisions and consequences enables youngsters to examine many options and potential results in real life.
Social Skills and Relationships: Story characters' interactions offer insight on societal dynamics and relationships. Students can improve their social abilities by studying literature about friendship, cooperation, and dispute resolution.
Imparting Social Emotional Learning Through Literature
Grades 1-3: Establishing the Foundation
The focus is on self-awareness and emotional identification.
Through picture books such as Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" or Monica Hughes’ "My Mood is a Butterfly" students can draw their own faces expressing various emotions or write basic stories about characters experiencing emotions. Text examples:
Panchatantra Fables: These short fables with animal characters convey important lessons about emotions, friendship, and decision-making.
Jataka Tales are stories based on Buddha's former lives that emphasise empathy, compassion, and proper action. "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig awakens compassion and so does "I Am Human" A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde.
Grades 4–6: Expanding Horizons
Focus remains on social awareness, empathy, and interpersonal growth.
Timeless tales such as "The Lion and the Mouse" or "The Three Little Pigs" discuss character interactions, including detecting emotions and motivations. Students can practise empathy by writing letters from the perspective of one character to another.
Akbar and Birbal Stories: These folktales demonstrate wit, diplomacy, and problem-solving abilities while highlighting the value of justice and fairness.
Mahabharata and Ramayana: These epics, however complicated, provide interesting conversations about loyalty, courage, and the consequences of decisions.
Grades 7-9: Addressing Challenges
Self-management, conflict resolution, and decision-making are the primary areas of focus for this age group students.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank or "I Am Malala" by Malala Yousaf Zai, discusses the characters' emotional responses and coping techniques in difficult situations. Students can brainstorm healthy stress management and conflict resolution strategies.
Satyameva Jayate (A Hindi drama by Dharamvir Bharati): Deals with themes of truth, justice, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Short stories by Ruskin Bond: Many of Bond's novels are relatable to young adults, exploring topics such as friendship, courage, and dealing with loss.
Grades 10-12: Exploring Beyond
Identity formation, social justice, and personal responsibility are the primary areas of focus for this age group students.
Reading challenging books such as "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri and "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. These books offer exploration to cultural identity, societal influences, and negotiating difficult relationships. Readers can create essays that examine character development and the influence of emotions on decision-making.
Tagore's Short Stories: Explore the themes of love, loss, and the human condition in an intricate literary style.
Caste and Untouchability in Indian Literature: Analyse texts like Munshi Premchand's "Untouchable" to spark conversations about social justice and empathy. Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" the novel exposes the harm of prejudice and encourages critical thinking about stereotypes.
"The Hate You Give" by Angie Thomas, deals with identity exploration and coping mechanisms.
Conclusion
To summarise, incorporating SEL into the fundamental structure of Indian education through the enchantment of literature is more than just delivering knowledge; it is also about cultivating hearts and minds. It's about empowering young minds to comprehend their emotions, overcome obstacles with perseverance, and form meaningful relationships.
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