Thinking Mats Supports All 5 of CASEL’s Core Competencies

Thinking Mats is a powerful tool that supports all five areas of competence outlined in the CASEL Framework of Social and Emotional Learning. This innovative approach to teaching and learning enhances self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Using Thinking Mats in the classroom helps students develop self-awareness by encouraging them to think critically about their thoughts and emotions. The mats provide a structured framework that guides students toward understanding their own thinking processes and how they react to different situations. This helps them develop greater self-control and self-management skills.

Thinking Mats also foster social awareness by encouraging students to consider the perspectives and feelings of others. By working collaboratively and sharing ideas, students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the complex social dynamics that exist within their communities.

The Importance of relationship skills: Thinking Mats provide students with a unique and exceptional opportunity to practice and enhance their communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution skills. By exchanging and negotiating ideas, students can develop crucial abilities that will help them cultivate strong relationships in and out of the classroom.

Lastly, Thinking Mats promotes responsible decision-making by challenging students to think critically about the consequences of their actions. By examining multiple perspectives and considering the potential outcomes of different choices, students learn to make informed decisions that are grounded in empathy and respect for others.

CASEL’s Framework website & Downloadable PDF

Thinking Mats lets kids practice daily and it supports any SEL Curriculum

 

Thinking Mats are an excellent addition to ANY SEL curriculum because they can put into practice their personalized experiences. Thinking Mats are an effective tool to support and help fill in the SEL curriculum gap of the independent daily practice kids need in order for it to stick. These mats provide a platform for children to practice their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills with their own personal experiences every time a problem arises. 

Thinking Mats offers a concrete, organized, interactive and engaging system that kids need in order for them to practice their SEL skills. It makes it relatable and relevant to the child’s life, making it easier for them to engage and learn.

When a problem arises, children can refer back to the Thinking Mats structure to help them navigate the situation. They can use the prompts and activities to guide their thinking and come up with solutions that are both effective, collaborative and developmentally appropriate.

With continued use, Thinking Mats’ Children develop essential social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. By incorporating Thinking Mats into your teaching, you can help children become more effective communicators, critical thinkers, and problem-solvers.