This isn’t going to be your average Back to School season, let’s be honest.
Students are returning to us with questions and worries that weigh heavily on their minds and hearts following the traumatic events of COVID-19, economic challenges, and anti-racism initiatives around the country. They’re dealing with the same “quarantine weariness” that we are, with loneliness, loss, overuse of technology, and whatever other issues they’ve been dealing with since we last saw them.
This fall, Social Emotional Learning must take precedence. Unexpected actions and social challenges are common when students are confronted with trauma, as we have all been this year. Every time we can, we can incorporate tactics to help kids manage their own emotions and better understand others into our schedules and lesson plans. As teachers, we’re in a unique position to help guide them with strategies and help support families this school year.
When it comes to preparing for the new school year, it’s important to remember that children’s mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health.
DAILY AT CLASS
READ WONDERFUL BOOKS: Books can open the door to a plethora of worthwhile discussions. A daily read-aloud is a quick and easy technique to get pupils interested in tough subjects. A well-chosen picture book can assist pupils all the way through high school.
Students often have an easier time delving into the troubles of another person’s life than it does into their own, which can lead to some profound self-reflection and insight on their part. Books like The Dot, A Bike Like Sergio’s or Your Name is a Song can help you develop empathy and inspire creativity (to open a discussion about cultural identity).
Don’t get rid of your classroom structure this year, whether you’re teaching online or in the classroom (or a combination of both!). A daily schedule, routines (such as Morning Meeting), and plans for future festivities should be put on the board.
Students flourish in a time of great uncertainty because they know they can count on something in their days. My students look forward to our weekly mindfulness exercise and our weekly Google Hangouts because they know they’ll be greeted by a fast game!
To get the best results, use tools that are used by experts:
Utilize the counseling services of your school’s or district’s counselor to implement SEL practices in your classroom. Check out WholeHearted School Counseling on TPT if you don’t have access to those tools! Kids Coping Strategies and Mindfulness Brain Breaks were a hit with our primary kids this year. Your kids will be empowered in their self-management and self-awareness if you use this method.
CONSIDERED BY FAMILIES
The highs and lows of your life should be shared with others Everyone, young and old, has had a difficult time in the last few months. Every day, set aside some time to talk about the good and bad things that happened to you. Listening to your child’s self-reflection can help them make sense of their day, both the successes and the setbacks. When children hear adults open up about their feelings, take stock of their choices, and move on, it has a profound effect on them.
WATCH AND READ THE SAME THING TOGETHER Build empathy by imagining what the characters in a book are going through while you read a book together. Discuss how you might have acted if you were in their shoes while watching your favorite show or movie. When confronted with difficult decisions in real life, reading and watching stories about other people’s experiences can be a helpful tool.
SET UP A RELAXATION SPACE. Your home can be a “calm down corner” for you or your child to practice self-regulation when you or your child is feeling agitated, upset, or frustrated. It could be a corner of the room, a chair, or even just a designated area.
Coloring papers (even for adults!) and tranquil artwork are popular choices for certain families. People with high levels of stress should try sitting in the calm down corner. Take a few moments to yourself, engage in some relaxation techniques, and then return to your family.
Resources that can be accessed over the internet:
EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD These wordless videos generated by the Social Emotional Learning curriculum offer a unique look at a single person’s life around the world. Empathy and compassion can be fostered through the discussion of global SEL provided by these movies.
For each film, their Learning Journeys include lesson plans and tales that connect it to academic standards in math, language arts, social studies, science, and art. Every instructor should have it, as well as every student’s parents.
PLAY WORKS It’s never a bad idea to have some fun! Conversation, relaxation, and learning to support one another are all benefits of playing games together. CDC recommendations were even taken into consideration when Playworks launched a YouTube channel full of games for classrooms or families to play together. Families, they have a Facebook page full of great ideas.
