Dear Parents,
As we close out the 3rd week of school, I want to focus this week’s message on Social Emotional Learning. Teachers will begin full instruction next week. Primary Teachers will continue supporting SEL during morning meetings and Middle School Teachers will begin implementing brain breaks during class. I will update the school’s calendar through November by next week. You can find important school information and announcements on the school’s website. Please pay your school fee before October 1st here. Kdg- 8th grade Instructional Supplies can be picked up any day between 8am -3pm.
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Here are some resources you can use to learn more about social and emotional learning.
Resources for Parents and Families for Remote Learning
Below is a bingo game, but there 40 great activities parents can do for self-care:
This link provides Movement and Mindfullness for Children:
https://thesycamoreschoolva.org/virtual-schooling-resources-movement-and-mindfulness-for-kids/
SEL Strategies At Home:
1.Be a good listener. Joshua Freedman, Chief Operating Officer at Six Seconds, a nonprofit organization supporting emotional intelligence in families, schools, corporations, and communities, describes listening as a “core competency skill.” Unfortunately, it’s not always practiced by parents or children. For a list of strategies and activities for building listening skills, read Freedman’s article on the subject, one of the many useful parenting resources at KidSource Online.
2.Model the behavior you seek. Whether it’s apologizing when you’re in the wrong or treating others with respect and kindness, children learn a great deal about relationships from observing the behavior of their parents. In the words of Maurice Elias, co-author of two books on emotionally intelligent parenting, parents should remember the “24K Golden Rule: We should always think about the impact of our actions on kids, and be as particular in what we do with our kids as we would want others to be with our kids.” Check out an Edutopia interview with Elias about the role of social and emotional learning at home, as well as a video of him talking about why SEL should be an integral part of academic life. Elias is also a regular blogger for Edutopia on the topic of social and emotional learning.
3.Nurture your child’s self-esteem. A child with a good sense of self is happier, more well-adjusted, and does better in school. Strategies for fostering self-esteem include giving your child responsibilities, allowing her to make age-appropriate choices, and showing your appreciation for a job well done.
4.Respect differences. Every child has his or her own unique talents and abilities. Whether in academics, athletics, or interpersonal relationships, resist the urge to compare your child to friends or siblings. Instead, honor your child’s accomplishments and provide support and encouragement for the inevitable challenges he faces.
Take advantage of support services. Seek the advice and support of school counselors or other social services during times of a family crisis, such as a divorce or the death of a close friend or family member. Also, during the times of a national crises, such as civil unrest, unjustified police encounters, racism and coping with a pandemic
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL): Ideas and Tools for Working With Parents and Families. This comprehensive PDF from CASEL’s website offers specific tips for what parents can do to support social and emotional learning at home. The packet includes background information about SEL, interviews with parents, and lists of SEL books, organizations, and programs.
Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL): Family Tools. This collaborative project based at Vanderbilt University offers a series of guides for parents of young children on how to help their child identify his or her emotions, build relationships, communicate effectively, and much more.
Building Emotional Intelligence: Techniques to Cultivate Inner Strength in Children (Sounds True, Inc.: 2008). Social and emotional learning expert Linda Lantieri and Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) co-founder Daniel Goleman combine forces in this step-by-step guide to helping children calm their minds and bodies as well as manage their emotions. The guide is accompanied by an audio CD of practices led by Daniel Goleman.
One Last Smile:
Lion Pride- South Loop Strong
Sincerely,
Principal Shelton