By Durdanah Masoodi & Aabid Rasool

Parents often see the warning signs before report cards do.

A child who once loved learning begins to switch off. School starts to feel like a burden. Even a simple mention of grades can bring anxious looks and tense shoulders.

As these changes take hold, some children withdraw. They avoid teamwork, shy away from responsibility, and give up when work becomes difficult. Others sit silently in class while worries and frustrations remain hidden beneath the surface.

Taken together, these signs point to a deeper challenge. They remind us that schools do far more than prepare students for exams. They also help shape young people who can handle setbacks, build relationships, and move through life with confidence.

That is where social and emotional learning, or SEL, comes in. It provides a practical way to help students develop the skills they need both inside and outside the classroom.

UNESCO defines it as the process through which young people acquire skills to recognize and manage their emotions, show care for others, build strong relationships, make sound decisions, and handle difficulties with confidence. 

In plain terms, SEL helps children understand their inner lives, respond thoughtfully to challenges, and connect with people around them before they chase top ranks or professional titles.

Kashmir’s education system tells a different story today. Schools celebrate 95 percent marks as the full measure of a child’s worth. Teachers race through the syllabus and reward memorization. Honest questions sometimes draw scolding for slowing........

© Kashmir Observer