Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning

Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.

Press play to hear more about each case study

Social and emotional learning skills are a must have

Especially in a world where technology moves at the speed of light, climate change threatens drastic shifts, and a pandemic has upended how we live and work – for worse and better.

Policymakers from around the world agree. We spoke to education leaders in Australia, Colombia, Finland, Peru, South Africa, and South Korea about how they’ve built back systems to foster these essential skills. We’re sharing their ideas far and wide through our report, so we can help keep up momentum and drive the conversation forward.

Dive into the full report or have a look at some of the lessons that came out of our conversations below.

Dive into the full report here

1. No matter where you are, social and emotional learning matters
2. The pandemic has made change more urgent than ever
3. Learning through play is the backbone of social and emotional learning
4. For efforts to last, we need everyone on board
5. Teachers are a crucial driving force for change
6. A good communications strategy is vital
7. Assessment systems need to stay level with learning standards
8. As the saying goes: it’s a marathon, not a sprint
9. Compromise and small steps can be part of the process
10. We can adapt the legal framework that’s already there
11. Education reform needs broad political appeal to succeed

Explore more research

How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

October 2022 Evidence
World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health
July 2022 Evidence
Good Life at home and at play
May 2022 Opinion
8 play ideas for family wellbeing
March 2022 Opinion
Play more, worry less: 3 ways play boosts resilience
March 2022 Evidence
Why social and emotional learning is top of the class

Let's Play

What Makes Us Special

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Traffic Lights

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes