There are many different ways you could use SEL in a Classroom, and many different strategies and programs you can try. It is not a "one-size-fits-all" situation, with each classroom requiring different needs. Below are some ideas for a classroom to try out... What has worked in your classroom? (Let me know in the comments below! Second Step Program Second Step is a holistic approach to building supportive communities through SEL. It helps to build compassion in the classroom, common language across environments and educator well-being. It involves a series of lessons that build off of one another, using talking points for the teacher to lead the discussions. There may be a song that the students are singing, emotions they are recognizing in a picture, or scenarios they are working through with others. It is a laid-out program that is effective for teachers and students to use. It is available based on different grades to be used in a classroom. Kids in the Know The Kids in the Know program is a Canadian resource developed by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. Their website describes it perfectly: The purpose of the program is to help educators teach children and youth effective personal safety strategies in an engaging, age-appropriate and interactive way that builds resiliency skills and reduces their likelihood of victimization in the online and offline world. It is research and evidence-based, balances empowerment with protection, communicates without value statements, builds from past experiences, involves activity-based learning, and facilitates important discussions about personal safety without the use of fear. The program is used in thousands of schools across Canada and has received the nationally-recognized Curriculum Services of Canada seal of approval. Lessons are matched to outcomes mandated by Departments of Education in all jurisdictions across Canada. Topics include healthy relationships, safe and responsible use of technology, addressing high-risk behavior, the public nature of the internet and loss of control of shared content, as well as building capacity to handle difficult situations and knowing when to seek help (Canadian Center for Child Protection, 2011). MindUp Program The MindUp Program helps children develop the mental fitness to thrive in school and throughout their lives. It helps students develop the knowledge and tools they need to manage stress, regulate emotions and face the challenges of the 21st century. MindUp was created in response to an increase in childhood aggression, anxiety and depression (MindUP, n.d.). It focuses on neuroscience, SEL, positive psychology and mindful awareness. It is an adaptable program for ages 3-14, and can be "easily integrated into a variety of themes" (MindUp, n.d.) and any subject. It has provided lessons for students to learn tools and apply the strategies provided. Read Alouds Using read aloud to implement SEL into everyday learning, is quite simple in Kindergarten as we often have some variation of a read-aloud every single day. While reading, spend time talking about how some characters might think and feel. Use this time to highlight that this perspective-taking, a skill that we use to determine others' emotions and thoughts. The best part is it can be done with any text you are reading. Try reading "Big Al" by Andrew Clements. When reading this book, ask students "Why is Big Al changing how he looks?" and "How would you feel if others thought you were 'Big and Scary'?" This book covers Hopes and Dreams, and how showing your true self is the best way to make friends. Class Meetings The purpose of a class meeting is to boost each other up, solve problems and even help plan class events together. It could be a class meeting that is once a day, a "morning meeting," or once a week-- it depends on your schedule and needs. Having this space for community can help promote a positive climate for all students and welcome the discussions that will lead to positive interactions. Practice Mindfulness Using mindfulness in the classroom can help teach kids how to calm down, manage their emotions when they are upset and to feel happier and connected in the moment. Sometimes, students have a hard time learning to calm down on their own. Teaching mindfulness can include teaching various breathing strategies ("mountain breathing," "5-finger breathing," etc.), how to focus on one thing at a time, and relaxing our bodies. Creating a Cozy, Calm Down Corner/Area Not all students will use this area, or use it properly (so appropriate teaching is necessary), but there are some students who truly need it. This small area might include a bean bag chair, or cozy pillow, a few books, a calm down jar, a few fidgets or anything else that your students will find calming. Students who need this space can sit, use coping strategies and return back to class when they are calm again. When creating a Cozy, Calm Down Corner remember to think about your learners first. The area might not be "Pinterest Worthy," but if it works for your students then that is all that matters! Consult any EAs that work in your classroom, any IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and IST (Integration Support Teachers) when wondering what might work best. What works best for you in your classroom? I would love to hear about the SEL programs you use!
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