Crucial Cs: Daily Doses of SEL for Physical Education Lessons

Social-emotional learning (SEL) models are designed to support essential skills for K-12 youth to be successful in navigating their world. The Crucial Cs model highlights vital attributes that guide and protect children during their formative years for developing into capable young adults who contribute to their families and society: 1) Count - I am valued and can make a difference in the world; 2) Connect - I can make friends and cooperate toward goals; 3) Capable - I am accountable and responsible for my decisions and feelings; 4) Courage - I am resilient when facing challenges (Lew & Bettner, 1998).

One elementary physical educator shares experiences for integrating these principles into daily student interactions and lessons. Attention to healthy emotional and psychological development for his students has led to enhanced social engagement, feelings of belonging and safety, and improved intrinsic motivation, effort, and persistence for learning experiences.