Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to developing a variety of nonacademic skills, namely helping students better understand their emotions and build empathy for others. SEL has received a lot of attention in recent years because research has shown that students exposed to SEL programs have healthier attitudes and behavior, improved social and emotional skills, and stronger academic performances.

In Scholastic Art, we embed social and emotional learning into every story, so your students are always learning to empathize with others, manage emotions, and make responsible choices. Every story is intentionally crafted to champion inclusion and support student empowerment and equity with art. 

With every issue, we feature skills sheets that invite students to reflect on the techniques they read about in the magazine and to use them in their own art making. Examples include the grades 7-12 Sketchbook Starters and Artist Statement and the grades 4-6 Visual Vocabulary and Sketchbook Starters. We also pair activities, including Write About Art and Sketchbook Starters, with feature articles to encourage students to practice what they learn. 

Along with every issue of Scholastic Art, we include an open-ended Hands-On project for students to use what they learned in the issue to develop an original artwork. Students and teachers can view step-by-step images in the online slideshow along with examples of final artworks. Students are encouraged to connect with their classmates and engage in constructive critical thinking and conversation in class critiques.