Here's how you can master social-emotional learning strategies in the classroom.

- As a teacher you can take some trainings/courses to understand SEL. - You can also consider reading some books on SEL. - Talk to some expert/teachers who implementing SEL in the classroom.

In my experience, SEL is not an add on, it’s a conscientious environment that fosters social and emotional well-being. From the greeting that everyone gets right at the door to space provided for all members to share and feel welcomed. Providing lessons that tap into our emotions and healthy ways to express and deal with them can be woven into any content and incorporated into any lesson.

Creating a safe classroom environment is foundational to effective SEL. Here’s how to achieve it in 6 steps: ☑️ Establish Clear Expectations: Set consistent rules and expectations. ☑️ Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrate respect, empathy, and kindness. ☑️ Encourage Open Communication: Create an atmosphere for honest expression. ☑️ Promote Inclusivity: Celebrate diversity and address exclusion. ☑️ Build Trust: Develop strong, trusting relationships. ☑️ Provide Emotional Support: Recognize distress and offer support.

Students need to feel a sense of belonging. To do this, acknowledging their presence, taking the time to know them, discovering strengths and honing in on these. Modeling courteous behavior and respect. Reaching out to folks at home to remind students that it takes a village to raise a child. Make sure all students voices are heard and that they can see themselves in the literature you have in the classroom, the acceptance of diverse backgrounds , cultures, ethnicities, etc… Always holding space for those who are hurting or need their voice heard. Always making sure that every student knows that you are someone they can turn to and that you have the time….These are the things that matter.

Role playing and situational stories where students have to think of others and how they must feel are powerful. If you can foster empathy in your classroom, you have given a gift like no other. It takes a lot of modeling and examples. It takes finding what matters to kids and then diving deeper so that they can find that place where they can feel what another feels in the best way they know how. Having kids do community projects, seeing first hand situations that show struggle/need, having kids volunteer, be big brothers or big sisters to others. Mentoring is a big eye opener and taps into listening and trying to understand. Global virtual learning connections are powerful & provide a platform that fosters empathy and perspective taking.

Self-regulation helps students maintain focus, make thoughtful decisions, and respond to stress in healthy ways. It enables them to control impulsive behaviors, navigate social situations, and persevere through difficult tasks. These skills are foundational for lifelong success, influencing not only academic achievements but also personal and professional relationships. By teaching self-regulation, you empower students to take charge of their emotional and behavioral responses.

Encourage Reflection: Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their own behavior and learning. Reflection can be facilitated through journals, discussions, or digital portfolios where students assess their progress in SEL competencies.

As a former early childhood educator, introducing self regulation was crucial to maintaining consistency in the class. I often role played and created songs to teach the children when anger and frustration arose.

Teaching the elements of mindfulness to students is essential. This provides a toolkit for them that includes awareness of the senses, listening skills, focusing on the breath and the here and now, and so much more. This, in itself, balances a child when they feel they are struggling. Modeling self regulation is key and then turning it over for students to practice over and over until it becomes part of their daily practice. Teaching about the brain and the components of the brain that help to regulate us is important. Demonstrating by visuals or scenarios of how we can become stressed and what that does physiologically and how we can tap into tools that help us alleviate the stress reactions and calm the nervous system. Kids can do this!

I use circle time, emotion bracelets that have a specific color that indicates an emotion, journaling, one to one conversations, take time opportunities and nature to help students reflect. I model and lead the kids through why these experiences are useful tools and part of life’s coping strategies. I also make sure that students know that we all need these types of things to let it all out and that everyone is unique in what works best for them. Each day is different but each day brings a new opportunity to strengthen the things that make us feel our best.

-Integrate SEL into Daily Routines: Make SEL a part of every day by incorporating it into regular classroom activities. Start the day with a check-in, allowing students to express how they are feeling or share something they are looking forward to. This routine helps build emotional awareness and community. -Explicit SEL Lessons: Dedicate time to teach specific SEL skills, such as identifying emotions, practicing empathy, and developing conflict resolution skills. Use structured lessons from SEL programs or create your own based on the needs of your students.