Social and Emotional Learning at Fireside
What is social and emotional learning and why is it important?
"Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions" (CASEL).
Decades of research has shown numerous benefits for students who participate in SEL programs. It has been shown to improve classroom behavior, increase a student's ability to deal with stress and depression, boost self-esteem, enhance positive attitudes toward others, promote economic mobility, etc. (CASEL).
The current COVID-19 pandemic and it's impacts on our everyday life can put students at a higher risk of trauma-related stress. We want to make sure our students have the support they need to thrive and be successful during this time.
How is Fireside addressing our students SEL needs?
Every teacher here at Fireside has SEL as a core component of their classroom. This includes tools such as student check-ins, brain breaks, promoting a growth mindset, community building, and many more.
An SEL specials class will be a part of students' regular specials rotations. They will be utilizing Empowering Minds, which is a CASEL-aligned SEL curriculum.
Mrs. Vaughan, the Counselor for Social and Emotional Learning, will be conducting classroom and small group lessons utilizing CASEL-aligned curriculum. Click here to learn more about Mrs. Vaughan and the supports she offers.