SEL Redux (cont.)

Posted on October 31, 2023 Written by

Our last post was a summary of various articles and resources about Social Emotional Learning that have been featured in this Blog over the past few years. Here are two more resources on this vital topic:

In March of 2022, HBO presented a five-part series that explored an actionable framework for implementing SEL concepts. It included a dynamic mix of storytelling, film and TV references, guest researcher appearances, and informative role-plays. Since this involved widespread national viewership, you may find it helpful to review what was presented.

On a more scholarly note, the Wallace Foundation worked with multiple researchers to explore several important aspects of SEL and it’s impact on children (2017). The resulting 178-page report, which includes extensive references, is a foundational reference for anyone interested in this topic.

The information contained in this (and the preceding) post can give you a much deeper understanding of this controversial topic, and better prepare you for responding to those who would remove this important tool from a compassionate educator’s toolbox.

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SEL Redux

Posted on October 17, 2023 Written by

We’ve discussed Social Emotional Learning before, but this topic is becoming increasingly important … especially since more and more politicians are trying to frame SEL as some sort of extremist conspiracy, and are passing legislation to ban its use in schools. But effective teachers and principals have always implemented some form of social/emotional training (self-awareness, empathy, resilience, etc.), going back to the earliest days of widespread public education.

By way of review, here are some previous articles where we’ve discussed this topic before and offered links to resources: here, here, here, and here. And with increasing shifts in societal norms, plus a significant rise in teen (and even pre-teen) suicide, this topic is even more important than ever.

Here’s the bottom line: If we don’t spend time now meeting childrens’ social/emotional needs, then we’ll spend time later dealing with the unacceptable behaviors caused by those unmet needs … some of which may end in tragedy.

Either way, we’ll have to spend the time. 

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60-Second Strategies

Posted on October 3, 2023 Written by

Periodically, Edutopia produces short, focused video clips about specific classroom strategies. In the fall of 2023, they compiled some of the best of these into a single helpful link! This amazing resource is sorted by grade level groups, making it a wonderful resource for your faculty.

Feel free to share!

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Great Reading Resource!

Posted on September 19, 2023 Written by

Here’s one for your elementary teachers:

The simple act of reading aloud to children has been shown to improve reading, writing and communication skills, logical thinking and concentration, and general academic aptitude … as well as inspiring a lifelong love of reading. 

Storyline Online® streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Readers include Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Rosario Dawson, Viola Davis, Terry Crews, Connie Britton, John Lithgow, Jennifer Garner, Betty White and dozens more.

Note: There’s now a permanent link to this website under ELA Resources elsewhere in this BLOG.

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