Literature as A Tool for Social-Emotional Learning: A Character-Based Analysis of A Little Princess

This study investigates the ways literature, namely A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, can be used to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) in classrooms. The incorporation of SEL through classic literature has not been well investigated, despite its rising profile for its impact on students' overall development. Based on the five main SEL competencies listed by the CASEL framework (self-awareness, social-awareness, relationship-skills, responsible decision-making, and self-management), this study uses qualitative content analysis to explore how Sara Crewe grows as a character and how her feelings and actions reflect these competencies. In particular, a character-based thematic analysis is used to show how Sara's empathy, resilience, and moral integrity demonstrate emotional intelligence and social competence. The findings show that classic children's novels, such as A Little Princess, can significantly improve social and emotional learning (SEL) classes by providing pupils with stories that are real, complex, and reflective of their own experiences. Additionally, literary character analysis is a great tool for social and emotional learning (SEL) instructors to help their students become more self-aware, reflective, and critical thinkers.