Social & Emotional Learning in Elementary School: Social Awareness

Social and Emotional Learning in

Elementary School:

Social Awareness

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies social awareness as one of five core competencies of social and emotional learning. Social awareness includes several different soft skills including, but not limited to:

  • Perspective-taking
  • Empathy
  • Appreciating diversity
  • Respect for others


In elementary school, scholars begin to recognize their feelings and emotions as well as those of others. By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom community that encourages participation and discussion, pupils will begin developing their social awareness.