This post is sponsored by The National Civics Bee. All thoughts are my own!
In the always changing landscape of education, the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) has thankfully gained widespread recognition. SEL equips students with essential life skills, like self awareness, empathy, and responsible decision making. One powerful way to promote SEL in the classroom is by participating in events and experiences that encourage critical thinking, civic engagement, and teamwork. The National Civics Bee is a perfect example of how SEL can be integrated into after school experiences for kids. I’m thrilled to be partnering with the National Civics Bee to share how this competition can serve as a valuable tool for educators to foster SEL skills in their students.
The National Civics Bee: An Overview
The National Civics Bee is a prestigious annual competition that challenges middle school age students to demonstrate their knowledge of civics and government topics. Students answer questions, solve problems, and engage in discussions related to the United States’ political system, history, and current events. While it may seem like a traditional academic competition on the surface, it holds huge potential for nurturing SEL skills.
Promoting Self Awareness
Participating in the National Civics Bee encourages students to become more self aware. They must understand their own strengths and growth areas in terms of their knowledge and skills. This self awareness can lead to a sense of responsibility for their own learning. In preparing for the competition, students will need to reflect on their areas of expertise and identify areas where they need improvement. This introspection can be a powerful SEL lesson in self awareness.
Building Empathy
Empathy is a cornerstone of SEL, and the National Civics Bee provides an excellent opportunity to cultivate it. During the competition, students may encounter questions or topics that challenge their existing beliefs or perspectives. This can lead to discussions and debates with classmates or teammates, fostering an environment where students learn to respect and empathize with differing viewpoints. A huge pain point in our current political landscape is the divide amongst political viewpoints and parties. This experience allows students to engage in these conversations respectfully and constructively, emphasizing the importance of understanding others’ perspectives, even when they disagree.
Developing Responsible Decision Making
In the National Civics Bee, students are often presented with complex scenarios and must make decisions based on their understanding of government and civic principles. These decisions can be thought provoking, as they may relate to issues like ethics, justice, and public policy. This naturally encourages students to consider the consequences of their choices and the values that are the foundation of their decisions. This process can be a valuable lesson in responsible decision making, a key SEL skill that extends far beyond the competition.
Strengthening Relationship Skills
Collaboration and teamwork are integral aspects of the National Civics Bee. Students often participate in teams, where they must communicate effectively, share responsibilities, and work together to achieve a common goal. This collaborative aspect of the competition can help students improve their relationship skills, including conflict resolution and active listening. Teachers can use the competition as an opportunity to guide students in building these essential interpersonal skills.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
One of the ultimate goals of the National Civics Bee is to promote civic engagement among participants. The participating students can take what they learn through the competition and apply it in their communities. This could involve volunteering, participating in local government initiatives, or simply staying informed about current events and issues. By taking action, students not only deepen their understanding of civics but also develop a sense of civic responsibility, which aligns perfectly with SEL goals.
The National Civics Bee is more than just a competition; it’s a powerful tool for educators to foster social emotional learning in their students. Through self awareness, empathy, responsible decision making, relationship skills, and civic engagement, students can develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become informed, engaged, and empathetic citizens. Consider getting your middle school aged students involved in this exciting and enriching competition! It’s a journey that can lead to not only academic success but also personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Entries open on November 13, 2023 – bring the National Civics Bee to your community!
