Social-Emotional Learning
VALENTINES FRIENDSHIP ACTIVITY
VALENTINES FRIENDSHIP ACTIVITY
FEBRUARY 2020
I put together a "What I like about you" board with envelopes and the names of my Access students.
I put together a "What I like about you" board with envelopes and the names of my Access students.
As the students walked into the room I asked them to follow these instructions:
As the students walked into the room I asked them to follow these instructions:
Write something about or to the person whose name is on the paper.
Try to write different things that what others have already written!
Leave the papers on the tables. Ms. Cantu will collect them and put them in your Valentines mailbox!
At then end of the activity I folded their letters and put them in the Valentines Mail box and each student picked up their mail.
At then end of the activity I folded their letters and put them in the Valentines Mail box and each student picked up their mail.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: TEMAS PARA LA MESA
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: TEMAS PARA LA MESA
JANUARY 2020
I have a table game called "Temas para la Mesa" that I played with my Access group. Every student took one question out f the jar and they had to read the question and answer it. They all took turns and some of them went a little deeper in their answers. We will play again in a few weeks and I will try to build deeper connections with them.
I have a table game called "Temas para la Mesa" that I played with my Access group. Every student took one question out f the jar and they had to read the question and answer it. They all took turns and some of them went a little deeper in their answers. We will play again in a few weeks and I will try to build deeper connections with them.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
JANUARY 2020
Checking in with my Access group. I was very happy to see that most of the post-its are veered more to the left, meaning that "they are ready to face" the day instead of wanting to "hide under their bed".
Checking in with my Access group. I was very happy to see that most of the post-its are veered more to the left, meaning that "they are ready to face" the day instead of wanting to "hide under their bed".
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
JANUARY 2020
To start the new semester, I showed my Access students a video with 10 party games and I asked them to tell me which one they wanted to play. At first, some of them were hesitant to play but by the end all of them had played at least once.
To start the new semester, I showed my Access students a video with 10 party games and I asked them to tell me which one they wanted to play. At first, some of them were hesitant to play but by the end all of them had played at least once.
I then asked them if they would like to play a game every Monday for like five minutes and they all agreed to it. I will continue providing diverse games every Monday to keep building community and trust amongst all of us.
I then asked them if they would like to play a game every Monday for like five minutes and they all agreed to it. I will continue providing diverse games every Monday to keep building community and trust amongst all of us.
BALLOON CUPS.mp4
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
OCTOBER 2019
This is the second check-in Michael and I had with our Access group. This time there was a student who decided to place the post-it on the outside of the smart board. I purposefully don't ask student to write their names on the post-its because I think they feel more comfortable being anonymous.
This is the second check-in Michael and I had with our Access group. This time there was a student who decided to place the post-it on the outside of the smart board. I purposefully don't ask student to write their names on the post-its because I think they feel more comfortable being anonymous.
This time around, the students were more vocal about how they were feeing and what was on their minds. Everything from a good weekend to "tons of homework" were discussed.
This time around, the students were more vocal about how they were feeing and what was on their minds. Everything from a good weekend to "tons of homework" were discussed.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
OCTOBER 2019
Michael Constantini and I share a 10th grade Access group. Today we started doing the Monday Check-In's with our group. As they walked in through the door I asked to place a post-it on top of the apple that best represents how they are feeling right now. I was surprised at how willing the students were to share how they were feeling. Currently, the majority of them are feeling overwhelmed and saturate with homework. We talked about some strategies to dissipate these feelings and try to relax.
Michael Constantini and I share a 10th grade Access group. Today we started doing the Monday Check-In's with our group. As they walked in through the door I asked to place a post-it on top of the apple that best represents how they are feeling right now. I was surprised at how willing the students were to share how they were feeling. Currently, the majority of them are feeling overwhelmed and saturate with homework. We talked about some strategies to dissipate these feelings and try to relax.
In a couple of weeks we will check in again with them to see where they are then.
In a couple of weeks we will check in again with them to see where they are then.
OUR LAST ACCESS!
OUR LAST ACCESS!
MAY 2019
Access.mp4Today was our last Access together and we are celebrating the fun times we had. Dany Melendez created a video that commemorates those moments.
Today was our last Access together and we are celebrating the fun times we had. Dany Melendez created a video that commemorates those moments.
ACCESS FEEDBACK
ACCESS FEEDBACK
MAY 2019
How did engaging in social emotional activities during access benefit you this year?
How did engaging in social emotional activities during access benefit you this year?
*I was more self aware
*Helped me find my "group of people". Also helped find people with a similar mindset who can have empathy towards me
*It helped me destress from school since we did fun activities
*Made me more aware of how me and others felt
*It really helped relax me and take my mind off of stressful stuff.
*It helped give me good spirits for the rest of the day. I was also very pleased and happy with the activities we did and helped me grow as a person.
*It was great cause I got to meat new people that I did not knew that well. So I think the this access is great
*i do believe i made new friends and i do feel closer with my classmates.
*It made me relieve stress and just take a break from school.
*I felt very united and supported by my access peers and teachers! It was my best access experience.
*I felt really respected and united in this access so I was able to say what I thought in social emotional activities during access discussions
*I think it was benefitial because we saw how other people where feeling about all the school work going on and we can work as a group on how to overcome the problem
*I felt more comfortable within my peers because opening up about my emotions made me feel safe in my access.
Was it valuable to you during access for the activities mentioned above?
Was it valuable to you during access for the activities mentioned above?
Do you feel stronger and more united as a group?
Do you feel stronger and more united as a group?
If you could control the amount of time the activities lasted, what would be appropriate?
If you could control the amount of time the activities lasted, what would be appropriate?
Do you think more positively about access this year compared to previous years?
Do you think more positively about access this year compared to previous years?
SEL: VIOLIN CONCERT DURING ACCESS!
SEL: VIOLIN CONCERT DURING ACCESS!
MAY 2019
DANY1.mp4DANY2.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: SING!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: SING!
MAY 2019
luisa.mp4On one of our last Access Monday's, Luisa did a little singing for us. She has a lovely voice!
On one of our last Access Monday's, Luisa did a little singing for us. She has a lovely voice!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: PIANO CONCERT!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: PIANO CONCERT!
During our Access time, Su Kim played the piano and then other students played as well, including Alonso and Pato.
During our Access time, Su Kim played the piano and then other students played as well, including Alonso and Pato.
Su is an accomplished pianist and it was lovely to listen to her perform.
Su is an accomplished pianist and it was lovely to listen to her perform.
1.mp45.mp44.mp42.mp43.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: OPEN MIC
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: OPEN MIC
APRIL 2019
SING 2.mp4SING 1.mp4SING 4.mp4SING 3.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: EASTER EGG HUNT
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: EASTER EGG HUNT
APRIL 2019
EGGHUNT 1.mp4
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: LIVE MUSIC!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: LIVE MUSIC!
APRIL 2019
We have many talented students in our Access so we asked Pato Guzman if he would like to play guitar with Juan Blando during Access and they agreed. Then we had other drops-ins who also played and sang as well.
We have many talented students in our Access so we asked Pato Guzman if he would like to play guitar with Juan Blando during Access and they agreed. Then we had other drops-ins who also played and sang as well.
The main objective is to showcase student talent within our Access and give students opportunities to shine.
The main objective is to showcase student talent within our Access and give students opportunities to shine.
Access.mp4Access.mp4Access.mp4MUSIC 1.mp4MUSIC 4.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: JENGA EXTREME
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: JENGA EXTREME
MARCH 2019
CREATING COMMUNITY WITH OUR ACCESS GROUP
CREATING COMMUNITY WITH OUR ACCESS GROUP
MARCH 2019
After Career Day was over the students had some time before Gym Conferences. Kait Hogan asked me if I could host a "Mandala Drawing" session in my room during this time. Students started to come in and one of them said that it would be great if we could play dodgeball. So I checked to see if the BlackBox was available and it was so Michael Constantini and I took the kids there and they had a blast!
After Career Day was over the students had some time before Gym Conferences. Kait Hogan asked me if I could host a "Mandala Drawing" session in my room during this time. Students started to come in and one of them said that it would be great if we could play dodgeball. So I checked to see if the BlackBox was available and it was so Michael Constantini and I took the kids there and they had a blast!
DODEGBALL.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: BALLOON CHALLENGE
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: BALLOON CHALLENGE
FEBRUARY 2019
I challenged my students to see who could blow up the biggest balloon without it popping. I gave them three tries with 15 seconds each time. Eventually they started popping and they had a lot of fun.
I challenged my students to see who could blow up the biggest balloon without it popping. I gave them three tries with 15 seconds each time. Eventually they started popping and they had a lot of fun.
BALLOON 1.mp4BALLOON 2.mp4BALLOON 3.mp4SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: UNO CHAMPIONSHIP!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: UNO CHAMPIONSHIP!
FEBRUARY 2019
The past two Monday's I have been playing games with the students. I create random groups and they play together. I felt they needed to interact in a less rigorous environment so that later we can go back to the scales and hopefully they will open up a little more about how they are doing.
The past two Monday's I have been playing games with the students. I create random groups and they play together. I felt they needed to interact in a less rigorous environment so that later we can go back to the scales and hopefully they will open up a little more about how they are doing.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: LET'S PLAY A GAME!
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S: LET'S PLAY A GAME!
FEBRUARY 2019
Zennhya Escamilla showed me this game that she plays with her 8th graders and I thought it would be a good idea to play it with my Access students. They had a lot of fun and worked in teams and played off each others strengths.
Zennhya Escamilla showed me this game that she plays with her 8th graders and I thought it would be a good idea to play it with my Access students. They had a lot of fun and worked in teams and played off each others strengths.
These were the only instructions they got and the rest they had to figure it out together.
These were the only instructions they got and the rest they had to figure it out together.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
JANUARY 2019
The students had to choose between Fragonard's "Girl on the Swing" and Goya's "Saturn eating his son".
The students had to choose between Fragonard's "Girl on the Swing" and Goya's "Saturn eating his son".
Today the students were asked to place post-its on the board.
Today the students were asked to place post-its on the board.
Compared to last week's check-in, students are more stressed out today. As they reflected on this, several said that they felt the school workload was starting to pile up again.
Compared to last week's check-in, students are more stressed out today. As they reflected on this, several said that they felt the school workload was starting to pile up again.
SKYPE CALL/FEEDBACK SESSION WITH MARY BREY
SKYPE CALL/FEEDBACK SESSION WITH MARY BREY
JANUARY 2019
Since last semester I have been using Mary Brey's "Life Scales" with my Access students. Mary wanted feedback from the students regarding the scales. Some of the questions she asked them where in the lines of:
Since last semester I have been using Mary Brey's "Life Scales" with my Access students. Mary wanted feedback from the students regarding the scales. Some of the questions she asked them where in the lines of:
Can you tell me your overall understanding of the scales, how you are using them, what are they for?
Can you tell me your overall understanding of the scales, how you are using them, what are they for?
So I’m wondering if you guys have ever had a time when you didn’t know what to say to someone who’s having a hard time. You didn’t know how to have a hard conversation. Have any of you been a situation like that?
So I’m wondering if you guys have ever had a time when you didn’t know what to say to someone who’s having a hard time. You didn’t know how to have a hard conversation. Have any of you been a situation like that?
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say so you didn’t say anything.
Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say so you didn’t say anything.
These were some of the answers the students shared with Mary
These were some of the answers the students shared with Mary
To see how we are feeling mentally at the start of the week. To see if you are doing fine, if not you can talk to someone.
To see how we are feeling mentally at the start of the week. To see if you are doing fine, if not you can talk to someone.
Diego G.
Diego G.
I think that sometimes when somebody like your friends have somebody that dies, I don’t know if anyone feels that way, but sometimes I feel like “I’m sorry” or “I’m sorry for your loss” doesn’t cut it, so you don’t know what to say.
I think that sometimes when somebody like your friends have somebody that dies, I don’t know if anyone feels that way, but sometimes I feel like “I’m sorry” or “I’m sorry for your loss” doesn’t cut it, so you don’t know what to say.
Daniela M.
Daniela M.
I believe like when you haven’t been through the same think that your friend or whoever is going through it’s very difficult to know what to say next or to just listen to them.
I believe like when you haven’t been through the same think that your friend or whoever is going through it’s very difficult to know what to say next or to just listen to them.
Irene R.
Irene R.
Can I just say something? I was just going to say that putting the post-it notes on the thing and having Ms. Cantu ask us and all this, I think more than anything in my opinion, it went from a teacher to student relationship to a friend to friend relationship. It was no longer like, ohhh she’s a teacher, she does it out of her kindness that is in her soul.
Can I just say something? I was just going to say that putting the post-it notes on the thing and having Ms. Cantu ask us and all this, I think more than anything in my opinion, it went from a teacher to student relationship to a friend to friend relationship. It was no longer like, ohhh she’s a teacher, she does it out of her kindness that is in her soul.
Jessica H.
Jessica H.
MARY SKYPE.movTaking the students feedback, I will keep using the scales on Monday's Access and later on I will set up another Skype call with Mary and the students to see where they are then.
Taking the students feedback, I will keep using the scales on Monday's Access and later on I will set up another Skype call with Mary and the students to see where they are then.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
JANUARY 2019
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
JANUARY 2019
January 8, 2019
January 8, 2019
I paired up this Monday check-in with an activity Kait Hogan sent out. I started the discussion talking about the placing of the post-its and then moved on to the "resolutions/goals". The students are starting to get more comfortable talking about themselves in a group setting. I am hoping that by the end of the year this becomes more and more natural to them.
I paired up this Monday check-in with an activity Kait Hogan sent out. I started the discussion talking about the placing of the post-its and then moved on to the "resolutions/goals". The students are starting to get more comfortable talking about themselves in a group setting. I am hoping that by the end of the year this becomes more and more natural to them.
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
SEL: MONDAY CHECK-IN'S
NOVEMBER 2018
With my Access group, Michael and I have started doing SEL Monday Check-in's with students. We are using a presentation from Mary Brey's "Mindful Steps" program.
With my Access group, Michael and I have started doing SEL Monday Check-in's with students. We are using a presentation from Mary Brey's "Mindful Steps" program.
I greeted the students at the door and gave them a post-it and asked them to follow the instructions on the board.
I greeted the students at the door and gave them a post-it and asked them to follow the instructions on the board.
Once everybody has posted their note I took a moment to talk about how it was visually clear that they were feeling a little "run down". Afterwards, I followed Mary's presentation and I explained the SEL program we will be using at ASFM starting next year. I also asked them if they would be ok with doing this kind of check-in on Mondays and they said they would.
Once everybody has posted their note I took a moment to talk about how it was visually clear that they were feeling a little "run down". Afterwards, I followed Mary's presentation and I explained the SEL program we will be using at ASFM starting next year. I also asked them if they would be ok with doing this kind of check-in on Mondays and they said they would.
Next, the students had a few moments to read the discussion questions and then I asked them if they would like to share their thoughts. At first, I had two students share. The rest were quiet. Then, I decided to go back to the original slide of the apples and show them again where the post-its were. I asked again if anybody wanted to share and then they opened up a lot more and really talked about what was stressing them out. I asked if they had ideas of how to de-stress and we went over that as well.
Next, the students had a few moments to read the discussion questions and then I asked them if they would like to share their thoughts. At first, I had two students share. The rest were quiet. Then, I decided to go back to the original slide of the apples and show them again where the post-its were. I asked again if anybody wanted to share and then they opened up a lot more and really talked about what was stressing them out. I asked if they had ideas of how to de-stress and we went over that as well.
Overall, I believe it was a good opener and I look forward to keep doing this on Mondays.
Overall, I believe it was a good opener and I look forward to keep doing this on Mondays.
LIFE SCALES: Mary Brey
LIFE SCALES: Mary Brey
MAY 2018
Mindful Steps provides tools for individuals to demonstrate empathy and make connections when supporting others in times of loss, trauma, or other adversity.
Mindful Steps provides tools for individuals to demonstrate empathy and make connections when supporting others in times of loss, trauma, or other adversity.
Mindful Steps allows for individuals experiencing adversity to mindfully check-in where they are “in the moment” on the continuum of life.
Mindful Steps allows for individuals experiencing adversity to mindfully check-in where they are “in the moment” on the continuum of life.
It views daily life on a continuum allowing said individuals to know “It’s okay for me… (to say..., to be..., to feel...,)” and to support open communications for accepting and honoring others’ place on the continuum.
It views daily life on a continuum allowing said individuals to know “It’s okay for me… (to say..., to be..., to feel...,)” and to support open communications for accepting and honoring others’ place on the continuum.
