Classroom Resources

Travel is a Form of Social-Emotional Learning

More than ever, our students are in need of strong social and emotional learning opportunities that allow them to grow as individuals while building the necessary skills to be independent and resilient. Travel remains one of the most authentic ways to build these skills, and educators across the country notice a difference in the classroom after students return.

So, what exactly is social-emotional learning? The umbrella term captures what students need to be successful, but doesn’t trace back to one core content area. Self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness are all part of social and emotional learning, but how does one teach these? Most of us can’t remember where we learned skills like managing our emotions, considering others’ perspectives, or demonstrating leadership, but we can agree that life and experience are often the best teachers. Travel can change a person, and sometimes it can be downright uncomfortable—but it’s in those uncomfortable, sleepy, grumpy moments that some of our greatest lessons are learned.

One thing that students repeatedly share is their lack of space to speak about what is important to them, what has them upset them, or what is downright stressing them out. Travel programs can be used as an opportunity to create that space for students. Providing such a space doesn’t have to be scary. Simply start by asking questions and have students use their fingers to rank their feelings from 1 (lowest/disagree) to 5 (highest/completely agree). Even a thumbs up/thumbs down indication is a great way to gauge students’ interests and feelings!

Some groups delve deeper on tour and host a nightly meeting when they return to the hotel. The entire group gathers in an appropriate space and speaks about the day: What was eye opening? What gave you perspective about your own life and experiences? What upset you? Ask students to share out, giving each the chance to discuss a few “roses and thorns” about their experience. This may seem small and trivial in comparison, but for many students, this practice of speaking in front of a group and sharing how they truly feel will be new. The first night is always a little awkward, but by the end of the tour, the students will not only be used to the practice, but will speak with a newfound sense of authority and maturity—and they will thank you for it.