Classrooms in Pune have evolved in many ways, but one of the most meaningful changes has been the growing focus on Social-Emotional Learning, often known as SEL. While academic excellence remains important, parents and teachers now recognise that emotional strength, self-awareness, resilience, and healthy communication are equally essential for a child’s development. The shift is visible across various parts of the city, from early years settings to secondary classrooms, and is one of the reasons families explore options like top international schools in Pune, where SEL is becoming a strong part of everyday learning.
SEL is not a separate subject. It is woven into how children interact, solve problems, understand feelings, and build relationships. This approach ensures that students not only learn well but also cope well. In many CBSE board schools in Pune, teachers now use daily interactions, group activities, and reflective tasks to help children understand their emotions and respond positively to challenges.
Why SEL is Becoming Essential
One of the main reasons SEL has gained importance is the rise in academic pressure and social expectations. Children today face more competition, distractions, and emotional triggers than earlier generations. When classrooms prioritise emotional wellbeing, students feel safe, valued, and confident. This emotional safety helps them participate more actively in lessons, ask questions more freely, and handle setbacks with confidence.
Parents with younger children, especially those looking at nursery schools in Charholi Pune, also prefer environments where teachers understand child behaviour and support emotional development through stories, play, and conversation. Early exposure to SEL makes children more adaptable as they move into primary and secondary levels.
How SEL Shows Up in Pune’s Classrooms
Unlike traditional subjects, SEL appears in small, everyday practices. Teachers encourage students to share how they feel at the start of the day. Classrooms have reflection corners where children can pause, calm down, or think quietly. Many CBSE board schools in Pune also use group circles, open discussions, and guided activities to help students understand empathy, kindness, and cooperation.
Storytelling plays an important role too. Younger learners respond well to stories that highlight emotions, friendships, and problem-solving. This is why many nursery schools in Charholi Pune use puppets, picture books, and pretend play to help children recognise feelings and express themselves confidently.
Older students, especially in secondary sections, benefit from team tasks, peer work, journaling, and role-play. These methods make them more aware of their thoughts, biases, strengths, and reactions.
Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning
Improved classroom behaviour
Children who understand their emotions behave more calmly and respond thoughtfully. SEL reduces conflicts and encourages supportive classroom interactions.
Better academic performance
Studies worldwide show that students who feel emotionally secure perform better academically. This is one reason many families prioritise top international schools in Pune where academic and emotional balance go hand in hand.
Stronger communication skills
SEL teaches children how to talk about their thoughts clearly, listen to others, and collaborate in groups. These skills prepare them for life beyond school.
Healthy mental wellbeing
Children learn how to handle stress, adapt to change, and cope with disappointment. This builds long-term emotional strength.
Respect and empathy
Students learn to understand different perspectives and show kindness towards classmates and teachers. Such habits create safer and more inclusive school environments.
How SEL Supports Different Age Groups
SEL looks different across age levels, but its impact remains powerful. In nursery schools in Charholi Pune, young learners develop emotional vocabulary through guided play. In primary classrooms, children learn conflict resolution through small group tasks and discussions. Secondary students explore self-awareness, leadership, and decision-making through reflection and teamwork.
This progressive development helps children grow into confident, responsible individuals who can think independently and act with empathy.
Social-Emotional Learning has become a crucial part of schooling in Pune. It helps children develop confidence, clarity, empathy, and resilience all essential skills for life. As SEL becomes more central to education, Pune’s classrooms are turning into spaces where students feel supported emotionally as well as academically.
Schools such as Global Indian International School (GIIS) continue to integrate SEL practices that encourage balanced growth and help students develop both strength of mind and strength of character.
