Safety, connection, respect and rapport are prerequisites for learning. As The Catalyst Schools transitions to remote learning during the COVID-19 health crisis, intentionally creating a sense of stability, fostering cohesion and support with and among scholars, and integrating social emotional learning are essential components of creating a culture of learning and an environment of respect and rapport.
As much as possible, we will work with our scholars to find ways to establish and maintain predictable routines built on what was familiar to scholars in your classroom. This will help to bridge the gap from in-person to remote learning and provide a greater sense of stability in a time of uncertainty. At the same time, approaching yourself and your scholars with compassion will allow everyone in your classroom community the flexibility needed to process, adjust, and access their own coping strategies and resilience through this difficult period.
This website provides guidance and resources for teachers to remotely integrate social emotional learning and attend to scholars’ and educators’ social and emotional needs. The site will be continually updated by the Director of Social Emotional Learning for The Catalyst Schools.
Building a sense of community and connection through virtual platforms remains as critical to scholar success as it is in brick and mortar classrooms. Through deliberate and consistent virtual interactions, we can help scholars connect not only with their teachers, but also with one another.
Teaching SEL skills will serve as an anchor for building a culture of learning. These skills provide scholars with tools for adapting to a new way of learning and for coping with the stress of uncertainty and change. Find links to social and emotional learning curricula, programs, and additional resources that can be used by teachers and staff.