Social Emotional Learning
We believe that social emotional learning (SEL) happens best through experience
Gifted or advanced learners sometimes have unique needs due to their asynchronous development — the difference between their cognitive, emotional, and physical ages—which can manifest in challenges with perfectionism, self-esteem, peer relationships, and empathy. At the same time, conventional, heavy-handed SEL programs are seen as too artificial and are often shrugged off by precocious, often cynical, advanced learners.
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We believe that, in contrast to most academic learning, social-emotional skills are not well-suited for direct instruction. Rather, they are best learned as they have been for thousands of years - by role models, through stories, and through experience.
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We have a threefold approach to SEL.
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OUR STAFF: Telra teaching staff are trained to identify the unique needs of advanced and gifted children
Myth: Gifted children are more prone to suffer mental and emotional distress
Truth: High cognitive ability students are not at increased risk of psychological maladjustment.
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OUR PEER MODEL: We surround asynchronously developing students with peers who are facing similar challenges. This helps them develop a stronger sense of belonging, and they can more easily make and keep friends.
The best coaches understand the importance of psychosocial strength training, or “mental toughness,” for elite athletic performance.
A good teacher recognizes that students also need to develop their inner game to realize their full academic and personal potential.
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OUR CURRICULUM: Adopting a more advanced curriculum has multiple SEL benefits.
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Teaching to material that has more depth and complexity allows us to weave SEL into the day naturally. Children can learn empathy and moral imagination through literature. They can learn emotional literacy and collaboration through play, sport, and project-based work.
​Higher challenge encourages children to develop the attitude and the skill sets associated with learning and perseverance. These build a foundation for success in higher education and beyond.