




How might COVID-19 enable new approaches to the social and emotional aspects of learning next fall–or whenever we re-enter our schools? What is working to support well-being, build relationships and prioritize Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), right now? What barriers prevent you from integrating SEL more into your work? What supports do you need to integrate SEL equitably into your practices–especially with remote learning?
Responses
Building Positive Relationships First
COVID-19 has caused families, students, and teachers to all feel disconnected from their schools. Reducing that isolation and building strong, positive relationships is going to be necessary before academic learning begins again. Pre-COVID-19, the rush to cover all of my content standards was a barrier to implementing sufficient SEL into my regular instruction. With state testing suspended and instructions from schools and districts focused on serving marginalized students and teaching with equity in mind, it now seems as if SEL is gaining status in all schools. I believe teachers need to share the SEL work they are doing with professional…
Read the Full ResponseConsistencia y Presivilidad
Durante los últimos tres meses nos hemos llegado a adaptar a la realidad que llamamos COVID 19. Una realidad que en momentos ha sido abrumadora. La incertidumbre de no saber cuándo encontraremos una vacuna la hace más desalentadora.
Sin embargo, a medida que trabajamos con nuestras comunidades para proporcionar consistencia y previsibilidad en la entrega de aprendizaje a distancia del currículo, también debemos impartir lecciones de SEL (Socio-emocionales). Comparto los términos consistencia y previsibilidad ya que estos dos aseguran un esquema que permite que la psique humana perciba, que mientras se producen caos o incertidumbre, esas…
Consistency and Predictability,
The last three months of the reality we have come to adapt to called COVID 19 has been one that has at moments been overwhelming. The uncertainty of not knowing when we will find a vaccine makes it more daunting.
However, as we work with our communities to provide consistency and predictability in delivering distance learning of curriculum, we must also deliver SEL lessons. I share the terms consistency and predictability since these two ensure a schema that allows for the human psyche to know, that while chaoss or uncertainty is around, those areas that are…
Connections most important
Having received feedback from students and parents throughout the shutdown, it is very clear to me that any remote learning for middle schoolers must consist of regular, proactive communication to students, and parents as necessary. That is best done through interactive means like Zoom, Remind type texts, and phone calls. Simplification of platforms is necessary for kids and parents to make sure they understand how to complete and submit work. There is a huge difference in outcomes from those teachers who made videos, zoomed regularly, and messaged their kids, and those who relied on posts on student portals (like School…
Read the Full ResponseCreating connections, navigating feelings
Creating, maintaining, and strengthening relationships in the digital landscape has been challenging for educators. Self-awareness and social-awareness are key to navigating the ebb and flow - being able to monitor our own feelings and those of others. ... Getting a sense of when to pursue connection and when to allow space. Concentrated listening and observing are required, in this sometimes awkward arena. In addition, making sure there is room for all emotions when interacting in online formats. It has been helpful to have time for one on one and small group meetings, as well as time for side conversations, and…
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