SEL Workshops
Grades 9 - 12

SESSION 1 - Mind over Matter: An Exploration into Human Cognition

Are you curious about how the brain works? Gain insight on how reality is constructed by the brain in this workshop! This talk will cover themes showcased in a new exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum entitled “Mind over Matter: The Neuroscience of Perception, Attention, and Memory.” These themes include how the brain is studied, what it is made of, how it builds our reality and how the latest discoveries about it are transforming lives. 

SESSION 2  - Genes, Brains, and Behavior: Oh My!

How can understanding the genetics of autism spectrum disorder open new possibilities for personalized therapies and early interventions? In this talk, we will explore ongoing research on the genetics of autism spectrum disorder. By examining genetic mutations that lead to changes in brain activity and behavior, we shed light on key pathways that affect brain development and function and can guide plans for care.

SESSION 1 - Emotional Intelligence 101: Navigating Friendships & Relationships

• Explore empathy, communication, and conflict resolution strategies.

• Activity: Role-playing real-world social scenarios

SESSION 2 - The Art of Active Listening

• Students learn how to listen with intent to build stronger personal and professional relationships.

• Activity: Partner listening exercise

SESSION 3 - The Power of Apologies and Forgiveness

• Discuss how forgiveness benefits mental health and how to give a meaningful apology.

• Activity: Writing an anonymous letter of appreciation or apology 

This video is an introduction to nutrition and health, exploring online tools: my plate, food keeper, meal planning apps; and, a quick recipe: tomato soup with parmesan crisps, using pantry ingredients. 

Read aloud of the book, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" by Charlie MacKesy, which explores universal themes of friendship, vulnerability, and kindness, told through the adventures of a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse - with beautiful illustrations.

Sing along to some family-friendly songs appropriate for the whole family and classroom!

Let's talk about mentoring! Have you ever thought about getting a mentor, a caring and supportive adult that is there for you? This session is here for you to learn about what a mentoring relationship is, its benefits and how to get started! 

Kindness - What does it mean to be kind? How do we show kindness?

This workshop includes a light dance and acting warm up, an introduction to the musical, and work on a short scene that goes into a short dance combination. 

In this presentation, I will introduce students to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and we will engage in a CBT session in real-time. This will be an interactive session that will require student participation.

In this session, we will explore how social constructs impact our identity formation and understanding of self. We will use poetry and small group discussion to celebrate ourselves and end with some tangible tools to promote self-care and wellness. 

MATERIALS:  For today's session, students will need access to paper, writing utensils and markers/colored pencils/crayons.

This workshop will include warm up, drills for pirouettes and leaps, across the floor, and a contemporary combination.