In today’s rapidly changing world, academic knowledge alone is not enough to prepare students for success. To equip students with the skills necessary for life beyond school, GIIS places a strong emphasis on life skills, career competencies, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
In pursuit of the same, GIIS East Coast launched the SEP (Social, Emotional, Physical) holistic wellbeing model that turns vision into reality, and also aligns with GIIS 9GEMS holistic educational framework. It ensures that students not only achieve academic success but also develop holistically, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.
Holistic development through hands-on activities
At GIIS, we believe in nurturing holistic development through innovative, hands-on activities that combine fun with impactful learning. One such activity, “Letters to Words,” was designed to integrate all Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies — Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making — while promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.
Hands-on activities play a vital role in teaching SEL competencies because they transform abstract concepts into practical experiences. ‘Learning through doing’ allows students to connect emotionally with the activity, fostering deeper understanding and retention of the skills they develop.
Sharpening Self-management, Social Awareness
Here’s how the “Letters to Words” activity unfolded through three engaging rounds:
Round 1: Teamwork Under Pressure, students were grouped and given 5-6 letters to form as many words as possible in two minutes. This phase sharpened their self-management as students learned to focus and manage time effectively under pressure. It also encouraged self-awareness, helping participants recognise their unique strengths and contributions, and responsible decision-making, as teams devised strategies to maximise their scores while avoiding penalties for underutilised letters.In
Round 2: Trading for Success, students were encouraged to trade letters with other groups to form more words. This round emphasised social awareness, as students considered the needs and goals of others during negotiations, and relationship skills, as effective communication and collaboration within and across teams were key to success. Teams also applied responsible decision-making, strategically deciding which letters to trade for optimal results.
Round 3, the final phase: Reflecting on Meaning, involved discussing the meanings of the words formed, deepening engagement and enhancing vocabulary. This phase nurtured self-awareness, encouraging students to reflect on their learning, and social awareness, as they gained insights into their peers’ interpretations and ideas. It also reinforced collaboration and critical thinking, fostering creativity and a shared sense of achievement.
Also read: Shining bright: How GIIS East Coast students ‘GLOW’ on their path to excellence
This activity was more than just an exercise in forming words—it was a practical application of SEL competencies in action. Students developed self-awareness by understanding their strengths in a group setting, honed self-management by working efficiently under time constraints, and enhanced social awareness by respecting others’ perspectives during trades and discussions. Additionally, their relationship skills were strengthened through teamwork and positive interactions, while responsible decision-making helped them evaluate choices and make strategic decisions.
Incorporating hands-on activities like this exemplifies our commitment to holistic education. Whether it’s fostering gratitude in PYP 5 with the “Relationship Flower” activity, encouraging self-discovery in PYP 3, or guiding career aspirations in CBSE 9 and 10 through the Mindler psychometric test, our tailored programmes equip students with essential life skills. Activities like “Letters to Words” ensure our students grow into resilient, empathetic, and forward-thinking individuals, ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
To further enhance SEL, we organise monthly SEL assemblies, where students come together to explore themes like stress management, mindfulness, communication, and conflict resolution. These assemblies provide a platform for discussion, and the opportunity to learn life lessons that will help them both in school and in life.
If you are keen to know more about GIIS, please don;t hesitate to contact our friendly admissions team.
Pooja Sharma
As an EVC at Global Indian International School, EAST Coast, I have extensive experience in IB and Cambridge curricula, with a strong commitment to student well-being and career development. Holding a Master’s in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education, rendering career counselling using psychometric tools to guide students in making informed career choices, raising career awareness. As an SEL Coordinator, I have designed impactful SEL programmes and conducted mental health workshops. Through validated assessments and personalised counselling, I empower students to discover their strengths, align aspirations, and develop essential life skills for success.
