Curriculum and Instruction
How We Teach SEL in Sudbury
The Sudbury schools use a systemic approach to teaching social-emotional learning by intentionally creating a welcoming, participatory, and equitable learning environment using evidence-based practices that actively involve all students in their social, emotional, and academic growth. This approach integrates social and emotional learning into each part of students’ school experience—across all of their classrooms and during all times of the school day. This holistic approach includes creating a welcoming school environment, building trusting relationships, explicit SEL instruction, thoughtful modeling, practice opportunities, and leveraging teachable moments to reinforce these important skills. All adults in our school communities are SEL teachers and strive to nurture caring, supportive relationships with our students.
In our effort to provide a safe and inclusive school climate for all of our learners, the District annually surveys students in grades 3 - 8 to learn about their experiences in school. The information collected from our students guides decision-making on school practices and programs and is one of several ways we monitor school climate indicators.
SEL in the classroom takes shape in a variety of ways. It is promoted through explicit instruction, using evidence-based programs such as Harmony, Calm Classroom, and Second Step, and is also integrated across classroom academic instruction. SEL plays an important role in classroom climate — how teachers build relationships with students, how students build relationships with each other, and how conflict and discipline are addressed are all important factors. Educators support students in honing their existing skills and mindsets to help them succeed in school and in the broader world.
Curriculum
The Harmony curriculum is a CASEL SELect program aligned to the five core SEL competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). This PreK to grade 5 curriculum gives teachers the tools to build trust, encourage problem-solving, and establish a positive learning environment. The unit themes are:
Being My Best Self
Valuing Each Other
Communicating with Each Other
Learning From Each Other
Explore the Harmony Curriculum and the Parent Portal to learn about the Harmony at Home resources designed to help parents and caregivers navigate the social and emotional needs of children.
The Calm Classroom curriculum is focused on mindfulness techniques that help students and staff create a learning environment that increases self-awareness, emotional well-being, and mental focus. Educators cultivate peaceful, engaged school communities and teach skills that support mental and emotional well-being in PreK through grade five classrooms.
The research-based Second Step Middle School Program is a universal, classroom-based program designed to increase students’ school success and decrease problem behaviors by promoting social-emotional competence. It helps early adolescent students cope with challenges, create positive relationships, and succeed both socially and academically. Lessons equip students with the mindsets, knowledge, and skills to handle strong emotions, make and follow through on good decisions, and create strong friendships while avoiding or de-escalating peer conflicts. Educators facilitate the lessons during Connection Block with all students in grades 6 - 8.
Learn more about the Second Step Middle School Program
The Devereaux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA) System’s Growth Strategies are available for each of the eight core competencies that the DESSA system measures; self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, decision-making, goal-directed behavior, optimistic thinking, personal responsibility, and relationship skills. From lessons on self-management to activities for strengthening decision-making, hundreds of learning activities designed for students in kindergarten through grade eight can be found within the system. Educators use these research-informed social-emotional learning interventions, lesson plans, and activities to meet the needs of their students through universal and targeted instruction.
Explore the Aperture Parent Portal and learn about the 8 social-emotional competencies and related skills that educators help children develop.