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?
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Responses
Defining and Measuring SEL
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) maybe doesn’t need a clear definition. I say this because when breaking it down, many would imagine different conclusions for what a proper definition would be. For example, does it just mean building a relationship with the student(s), does it mean engaging with the sphere outside of school and to what extent, and/or does it mean promoting their emotional control through Mindfulness training or other means of behavioral control. So maybe simple guidance for encouraging districts to define their own SEL would be a strategy. But regardless of definition, the outcome is to produce people…
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Communication and Relationships
When thinking about how families, children, teachers, and communities are enduring in these times, I am curious about the things that are working for them. What works? What brings peace and well-being? For each individual among us, there is another answer. On the large scale of California, this an overwhelming notion, however advocacy and agency for each one is a must, not optional, nor perhaps, a MUST.
Expanded Learning has a unique and powerful connection with children every day after school and over the summer. This connection has to do with communication and relationship. A safe, consistent, and…
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We need to begin with ourselves and honor our adult learner selves
Dr. Pam Moran refers to this new book, Define Your Why by Barbara Bray as an "SEL Curriculum for adults". While not truly a "curriculum" but rather more of a blueprint, Bray shares insights from her own journey to help us find our "ikigai" (reason for being). We are all unique individuals and searching for our "why", writing about our purpose, and using self-reflection and wonderings. Adult or child, we all need to search, discover, reflect, repeat...
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SEL for Adults during Coronavirus
The past few months has been challenging for a lot of us. Parents were challenged to teach their children, work from home and manage everything else through out the day. They were not provided with the tools or strategies to manage everything. This added another layer of stress apart from the coronavirus concerns.
Self Awareness
The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses the RULER acronym to promote emotional intelligence and psychological wellbeing and health of educators, students, and families:
-Recognizing emotions in self and others
-Understanding the causes and…
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SEL that integrates emotional intelligence, equity, and culturally responsive practices
Research has shown us that successful implementation of Social Emotional Learning in schools and districts begins with the adults in the system. This requires a commitment to deep professional learning, ensuring that ALL adults understand what SEL is and how to engage students in the practice. However, in a profession that is around 80% white, there is a danger of creating harm instead of improving social, emotional, and academic outcomes. Dena Simmons of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence states, “Educators often teach SEL absent of the larger sociopolitical context, which is fraught with injustice and inequity and affects our…
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