SEL

Introduction

• Handouts distributed about social emotional learning resources for teachers working with special education (SPED) students.

• QR code provided for evaluation to support continued federal funding.

Shift in Focus

• Transition from reactive to proactive measures in education regarding social emotional learning.

• Initial focus on special education has evolved; emphasis on providing all students with the necessary tools for self-advocacy and emotional resilience.

Historical Context

• Social stories first developed in the 1900s within the realm of special education.

• Traditionally used for preparing special education students for events like field trips.

• Importance of expanding the use of social stories to all students in various educational settings.

Components of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Early Instruction

• Importance of starting SEL from early childhood, not just middle and high school.

• Example: Teaching toddlers self-advocacy from a young age to encourage independence.

Teaching Self Advocacy

• Encourage children to express needs and preferences through appropriate choices (e.g., drink options).

• Help young children learn to ask for help in school, promoting self-advocacy skills.

Building Responsibility

• Teach students household chores and responsibilities irrespective of disabilities.

• Engage students in volunteering and job shadowing to explore career options.

Transitioning to Adulthood

• Gradual increase in responsibility from ages 13-20: part-time jobs, understanding IEPs, leadership roles, postsecondary education options.

• Importance of learning advocacy skills for life after high school.

Examples and Activities

Video Reference

• Video clip: "Sound and Fury" about a deaf girl advocating for a cochlear implant, illustrating effective self-advocacy.

• Emphasis on the importance of parental support in a child's decision-making.

Building Emotional Vocabulary

• Activity to enhance vocabulary related to emotions, applicable across various grade levels.

• Illustration of emotions through drawings can help students articulate feelings.

Reflection Activities

• Journaling to encourage students to express feelings and process emotions in a safe manner.

• Discussions and videos to help students understand and articulate feelings.

Classroom Strategies

Daily Check-ins

• Daily emotional check-ins for students to express their feelings and normalize emotional discussions.

• Adults can model vulnerability by sharing their experiences.

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Methods to create a supportive classroom environment where emotions are acknowledged and processed collectively.

• Opportunities for individualized participation to accommodate differing comfort levels.

Physical Activities for Stress Management

• Activities like writing down stressors and physically disposing of them to promote mental health.

• Introduce tactile resources (stress balls, fidget toys) to help students manage anxiety and stay engaged.

Mindfulness Practices

• Importance of mindfulness in education to combat multitasking and improve focus.

• Techniques such as focusing on a single task rather than dual tasking to foster better learning outcomes.

Conclusion

• Integrating social emotional learning into everyday classroom practices benefits all students, creating a supportive and emotionally intelligent educational environment.

• Reminder to take the opportunity to provide feedback via the QR code for future resources.