Chapter 5

<p>With this chapter, the SEE Learning® curriculum progresses from the Personal to the Social domain, with learning experiences that seek to help students turn their attention towards others. Many of the skills that were cultivated in Chapters 1-4 for the Personal domain are directly applied in Chapter 5-7. The major shift in the second half of the curriculum occurs with the orientation of the focus — from inward towards outward, from self towards others–classmates, family, and people the students encounter on a daily basis. </p><p> </p><p>Changes in brain development mean that students in adolescence become increasingly oriented towards their peers, and gain much more developed capacities for perspective-taking and empathy. Far more than at any previous time in life, their identity comes to be formed relationally with peers, and not just with family members. Students at this age are ready to be taught specific skills and concepts to help them understand and navigate this tricky period of development. Adolescence is a perfect time for introducing the topics of empathy and perspective-taking, and the skill of mindful listening. Moreover, since adolescence is also a time of considerable stress for many students, exploring the ways in which they are like one another, and understanding their differences alongside shared commonalities, can help them feel less alone in their struggles. These are the topics of Chapter 5, which focuses on interpersonal awareness — becoming increasingly aware of the other people with whom one interacts.</p>