Throughout this five-part blog series, we’re exploring the five Biblical Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies and how they can shape a Christ-centered classroom culture. In our last post, we unpacked Self-Awareness. Today, we turn our attention to Social Awareness—a foundational skill for empathy, compassion, and community.
Social awareness goes beyond understanding the people around us—it’s about seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. When students learn to recognize the needs, perspectives, and feelings of others, they begin to reflect God’s love in powerful ways. This kind of awareness invites students to act with kindness, celebrate differences, and build bridges of understanding.
Without social awareness, misunderstandings fester, empathy weakens, and conflict escalates. But when students grow in this area, they learn to navigate relationships with grace and humility. As a teacher, you have a beautiful opportunity to guide students in:
- Showing empathy and compassion toward classmates, even when they’re different.
- Recognizing the needs of others and responding with Generosity.
- Listening actively and respectfully during group work and discussions.
- Understanding and honoring each person’s God-given worth.
Practical Ways to Build Social Awareness in Your Classroom
- Compassion Corners – Designate a space where students can write encouraging notes to others, reflect on how they’ve helped a classmate, or read Scriptures about loving others. This simple act helps students pause and consider someone else’s perspective.
- Perspective-Taking Conversations – Use literature, current events, or classroom scenarios to spark conversations that help students “step into someone else’s shoes.” Ask questions like, “How do you think they felt?” or “What might have been going on behind the scenes?”
- Serve Together – Plan a class service project. Whether it’s writing cards for local nursing homes or helping clean up around school, serving others grows empathy and unity. Check out how
Scripture Connection
Philippians 2:4 provides a powerful call to social awareness:
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This verse reminds students that living like Jesus means being mindful of the people around them—not just what they need, but how they feel. It calls us to step out of self-focus and into selfless love.
If you want to learn more about Biblical SEL check out our webinar with Dr. Tyler Groves!
Check out I Like Words. A powerful film that teaches Social Awareness in a uplifting way!