Introduce the CASEL Competencies to Staff
Competency: All
Build a foundational understanding of all five SEL competencies to guide schoolwide implementation. This would be done by admin, and would be a school-wide initiative that could manifest through posters in the classroom for instance, or school-wide/ grade group-wide goals for students to strive for.
Competency: Responsible Decision-Making
Example: Teachers work with students to set personal SEL goals, such as improving emotional regulation or practicing active listening, and track progress through reflection journals or goal charts.
Competency: Self-Management
Description: Build consistency by incorporating SEL activities into everyday classroom routines, helping students develop emotional regulation and focus.
Example: Start each class with a “check-in” circle where students briefly share how they feel and set intentions for the lesson.
Competency: Relationship Skills
Description: Teachers serve as role models by demonstrating effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution during classroom interactions.
Example: When disagreements arise, the teacher guides students through respectful dialogue and active listening.
Competency: Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
Description: Extend SEL beyond the classroom by involving families with information and activities that support students’ social and emotional growth.
Examples: Send weekly newsletters with simple SEL activities families can practice together, like emotion check-ins or gratitude exercises.
Students can also write a weekly letter to their families about their feelings, thoughts and activities that happened throughout the week.
Competency: Self-Awareness & Responsible Decision-Making
Description: Utilize a rubric to help students and teachers assess SEL skill development and guide reflective practices.
Example: Students complete self-assessments every month, reflecting on strengths and areas for growth in skills like teamwork or emotional control.
Competency: Relationship Skills & Social Awareness
Description: Establish classroom norms that promote respect, inclusivity, and positive peer relationships, making all students feel valued.
Example: Collaboratively create a set of classroom agreements with students, emphasizing kindness, listening, and acceptance.
Competency: All
Description: Commit to continuous professional learning to deepen understanding and improve SEL teaching practices.
Example: Join monthly peer coaching sessions or professional development workshops focused on sharing strategies and reflecting on classroom SEL implementation.
Competency: Self-Awareness & Responsible Decision-Making
Description: Treat SEL goals as flexible and evolving by regularly revisiting and reflecting on them with students. This encourages ongoing growth and self-awareness.
Example: Students and teachers have one-on-one check-ins each term to discuss progress toward SEL goals. Students use simple self-reflection sheets to evaluate their growth and adjust goals as needed, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.