This qualitative action research examines the integration of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) within 1st and 2nd-grade English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms in Antalya, Turkey. The study primarily aims to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of applying SEL principles within the context of second language learning, specifically focusing on how student-centered activities foster core skills—self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship building—alongside linguistic objectives. The research was conducted at a private elementary school with a study group of 20 children. Following an intervention-based design, data were collected through participant observations, teacher reflective journals, and student work samples. This methodological triangulation ensured a comprehensive evaluation of how SEL-integrated tasks shape the early language learning experience and influence the acquisition of the target language. The results indicate that these activities significantly enhanced students' acquisition of emotional vocabulary in English and fostered more positive peer-to-peer social dynamics. Furthermore, specific sub-dimensions of the findings that contribute to increased social-emotional awareness were examined and concluded, highlighting significant growth in students' ability to recognize and express complex emotions. Ultimately, the study confirms the viability of integrating SEL into second language instruction, suggesting that a holistic approach supports both linguistic proficiency and emotional maturity. By bridging cognitive and affective development, the research offers a practical model for early childhood English education, providing evidence that SEL is not an auxiliary component but a fundamental driver of communicative competence in young learners.

Authors:
Dilek Necibe Tekin, Akdeniz University, Türkiye
Gunseli Orhon, Akdeniz University, Türkiye

About the Presenter(s)
Dilek Necibe Tekin, PhD Candidate & EFL Teacher. I focus on primary ESL and curriculum development. Currently, I am researching innovative instruction models for young learners at Akdeniz University to bridge theory and classroom practice.

Connect on Linkedin
https://tr.linkedin.com/in/dilek-necibe-tekin-bbb157b4

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