Fostering children’s social and emotional skills is crucial for enhancing their learning, health, and overall well-being. Out-of-School-Time (OST) programs have been emphasizing this aspect for a long time by engaging in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) work. Their mission is to cultivate a culture of connectedness and positive relationships between youth and adults, and research has shown that high-quality, evidence-based SEL programs lead to positive outcomes, such as improved behavior, attitudes, and academic performance.

One effective way to integrate SEL into OST programming is by teaching students how to create multimedia projects, including cinematography, filmmaking, music production, and audio production. Students can develop various SEL skills through these projects, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-expression. They can also gain confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose as they collaborate to create something meaningful and impactful.

The Wallace Foundation’s Partnerships for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative supports this approach. The initiative’s report provides recommendations for integrating high-quality SEL instruction and practices into OST programming for children and youth based on data from more than 100 OST programs across six communities, including Boston, Dallas, Denver, Palm Beach County, Tacoma, and Tulsa.

The report suggests that OST programs gradually phase in SEL instruction, starting with simple SEL rituals and gradually incorporating moments of SEL instruction into regular program activities. This approach allows OST instructors to accumulate experience teaching SEL to youth over time. Additionally, providing multiple SEL professional development opportunities throughout the year, engaging with families about SEL using various outreach methods, and tracking SEL implementation as part of a continuous quality improvement cycle can all support the success of OST programs in integrating SEL.

One strategy that OST programs can use is teaching students how to create multimedia projects to integrate SEL into their programming. By doing so, students can develop essential SEL skills while participating in a creative and enjoyable activity. Moreover, students can gain exposure to different career pathways and acquire skills that can be applied to future academic and professional pursuits.

Based on
Skills for Success 
Developing Social and Emotional Competencies in 
Out-of-School-Time Programs
Wallace Foundation