The world has changed profoundly since our childhood, and it continues to evolve rapidly. And this presents a daunting challenge: how do we prepare our children for an uncertain future? This question resonates with parents and educators alike.

As knowledge becomes more accessible, schools must focus beyond academics, emphasizing emotional intelligence (EQ) and adaptability quotient (AQ) alongside intellectual abilities. In a world where resilience is key, adaptability has become the cornerstone of success, as Darwin said: “It is not the strongest, but the one most adaptable to change.”

At BDSIS, Kharghar, we're dedicated to empowering students with skills to thrive in this unpredictable landscape. Through research and innovation, we're shaping the next generation to navigate complexity, balance individuality, and succeed.

In response to these societal and structural changes, we have implemented a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum at BDSIS, Kharghar. Each day, students engage in a 5 to 10-minute lesson focused on SEL, covering five key areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, Social Awareness, and Responsible Decision-Making.

Within these areas, our curriculum addresses components that are essential for students’ well-being such as Emotion Management—helping students identify, label, manage, and cope with their emotions. We also focus on building self-esteem and self-worth through activities designed to foster a deeper self-awareness of personal strengths and to cultivate healthy, positive core beliefs that shape a child's personality. Our Growth Mindset lessons teach students to understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, differentiate between helpful and unhelpful thoughts, and incorporate the word "yet" into their language—a concept rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy principles.

Additionally, our lessons emphasize values such as gratitude, kindness, compassion, and empathy, which are crucial for healthy interpersonal relationships and a positive self-relationship. We also prioritize mindfulness and sensory awareness, incorporating numerous activities that help students develop these important skills.

To reinforce our SEL curriculum, we introduce a new theme each month, around which our activities and worksheets are centered. This thematic approach allows students to explore different facets of social and emotional learning in a cohesive and comprehensive manner.

In July, Grade 1 students participated in a fun and meaningful "Bubbles" activity designed to teach self-regulation. This exercise helped children understand the concept of self-control and its importance in everyday situations. By resisting the temptation to touch the bubbles, even when they landed on their noses, the children practiced strengthening their self-control, reinforcing the idea that this skill can be developed over time.

The Grade 3 students engaged in an activity called "Spider Web," which emphasized relationship-building skills. The activity visually demonstrated the importance of connection and teamwork by creating a web, symbolizing the group's collective strength. It encouraged students to focus on each other's positive qualities, reinforcing the value of every individual. The collapsing web served as a powerful reminder of the critical role collaboration and interdependence play in maintaining a strong, united community.

Grade 6 students explored the concept of the “Circle of Control”, helping them differentiate between situations within and beyond their control. This activity emphasized the importance of focusing their energy on aspects of life they can influence, promoting emotional resilience and better decision-making. It encouraged students to develop a healthier perspective by recognizing what they can manage and letting go of what they cannot.

The "My Anger Map" activity for Grade 4 focused on the emotion of anger, helping students recognize how it manifests in their bodies and identify their personal triggers. It emphasized the importance of emotion regulation strategies, guiding students toward constructive ways of managing anger. This activity played a crucial role in fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.