The 6 Future-Proof Foundations Every Child Needs

Can social and emotional skills be taught? Should they be taught systematically in schools and learning programs?

Dr. Stephanie Jones' groundbreaking research reveals that social-emotional (SEL) skills are not “extra-curricular”. In fact, they are fundamental to how children learn and develop, to their academic outcomes and future thriving.

Fortunately for the field, Dr. Jones has synthesized the SEL research into bite-sized, evidence-based practices that can be flexibly integrated into existing programs.

Future-Proofing Skills

As we look toward an AI-powered future, the skills that will remain uniquely human align remarkably with SEL domains. 

While AI excels at processing information and solving complex problems, it's the human skills of empathy, emotional regulation, collaboration, and adaptability that will become increasingly valuable.

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report consistently ranks self-awareness, resilience, social influence and empathy among the top skills for 2025 and beyond—all core components of SEL.

This isn't coincidental. As routine cognitive tasks become automated, our ability to navigate complex social situations, regulate emotions, and demonstrate empathy becomes more crucial. These aren't just "soft skills"—they're the foundation of innovation, leadership, and resilience in an increasingly automated world.

Another striking findings from Jones' research is the critical role of adult SEL skills. As she notes, "adults are the vehicle through which these skills and competencies are learned and supported among children and youth." Yet this aspect has been largely overlooked in educational policy and practice.

This reminds me of the "oxygen mask principle"—just as airline safety instructions tell us to secure our own oxygen mask before helping others, adults need to develop their own social-emotional competencies to effectively support children.

The Science Behind Social-Emotional Learning

Think of social-emotional learning (SEL) as the operating system that enables all other learning.

Dr. Jones and her colleagues identified six core domains that develop sequentially from early childhood through adolescence.

These include:

• cognitive skills (like attention control),

• emotional skills (like empathy),

• social capabilities (like understanding social cues),

• values (like civic values),

• perspectives (like optimism),

• identity (like growth mindset).

The Framework for Social and Emotional Learning

Looking at this framework, its not difficult to see why SEL is the foundation for healthy development.

For example, when a child develops strong emotional regulation early on—the ability to recognize, understand and manage their emotional responses—it creates a cascade of benefits. A child who can calm themselves when frustrated is better equipped to persist through challenging math problems. One who can recognize rising anger can pause before reacting to a peer conflict.

Like compound interest, early investments in these skills multiply over time. The child who masters emotional regulation at 5 may become the teenager who handles academic pressure with resilience at 15.

Dr. Stephanie Jones and her team at Harvard developed SEL Kernels after analyzing hundreds of SEL programs to identify their most effective common elements. SEL Kernels are the result: bite-sized, evidence-based practices distilled from successful programs. Each kernel targets a specific SEL skill and can be implemented in minutes.

Check out this amazing resource where you can select and explore different Kernels:

Key Takeaways for Practice

Here is a great video summarizing how SEL Kernels can be used in practice:

Research points to several critical elements for effective SEL implementation:

1. Integrate, Don't Separate: SEL shouldn't be taught in isolation. Simple strategies like "feeling circles" at the start of class, or a ritual of bedtime conversations, can create meaningful moments for emotional awareness while setting the stage for academic learning. Check out this free pack of printable SEL Kernels you can print off and use in any setting!

2. Put your own oxygen mask on first: Model healthy emotional regulation and problem-solving in your own behavior by investing in your own knowledge and emotional well-being.

3. Build sustainable SEL systems: Build SEL components into program design from the start. Train staff in SEL competencies and measure both academic and social-emotional outcomes. Create partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations to reinforce SEL skills. For administrators, an investment in SEL support for staff has a multiplier effect on child outcomes.

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Join Us on This Journey

This exploration of topics in early childhood goes beyond any single organization; it's for anyone with a deep interest in development, education, technology, and media. Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or practitioner, there's valuable insight here for you. Together, we can collaborate, learn, and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. I'm excited to continue this exploration with you.

Tanyella Allison Leta