The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed how we viewed life in 2020, providing a unique chance to reflect on our students' well-being, our educational approaches, and our self-care as educators. It highlighted the pressing need to address all individuals' social, emotional, cultural, and identity well-being. Following the true CSMP model, In the fall of 2020, a group of teacher leaders at UCLA, with limited funding, chose to explore how literature could be a valuable tool to enhance social-emotional instruction in the classroom. 

As we move into uncertain times for many of our communities, we must embrace the importance of SEL instruction. Coping strategies are essential in SEL instruction, and we can learn many lessons through literature to assist us in practicing these skills. Having a well-defined plan for facing the future is far more beneficial than giving in to hopelessness. We can use the insights gained from lessons and stories read to strengthen our coping mechanisms and prevent mental fatigue as we navigate the days ahead. It's crucial to eliminate distractions, avoid escapist behaviors, embrace our feelings, and allow ourselves to experience them.

If you have not had the chance, please reach out to your local, regional director for the opportunity to formally join our community of courageous educators transforming literacy practices to achieve equity for a socially just world.