Observation | #SELatHome
Updated: Jan 30, 2020
Hello Gardeners!
When we talk about the core 5 #SEL competencies, we are talking about self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. If we think about skills that help strengthen all of those areas, observation plays a crucial but subtle role.
Observation requires awareness and the ability to notice one's surroundings - essentially, people who are being observant are also practicing being present. And when you have that kind of awareness of yourself and of others, you tend to naturally exercise your self-awareness, self-management, and your social awareness skills.
Although observation is done frequently in school, there is so much to notice outside the confines of a classroom, therefore making it the perfect #SELatHome activity. Here is a list of fun and engaging activities to help boost your observation skills!
#1 People watching
Many of us do this naturally, but people watching is a great way to practice observing your surroundings and becoming aware of how other people communicate and move through the world. Take for example, kids playing on a playground - if you watch and listen closely, you will observe how they engage and manage conflict with one another, the friendship dynamics, and how they are feeling.