Presented by: Amanda M. White, MA, MBA WS/FCS Behavior Support Team PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: How to Combine Social Emotional Learning with Academic Instruction Presented by: Amanda M. White, MA, MBA WS/FCS Behavior Support Team

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define social emotional learning (SEL) Discuss importance of SEL in school setting Review obstacles to teaching SEL within the classroom as well as identify ways to overcome these obstacles Discuss when and how to integrate SEL during academic time

WHAT IS SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)? The process by which students acquire and apply attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, and maintain positive relationships. Teach in Pre-K and continue through 12th grade.

5 CORE COMPETENCIES

WHY TEACH SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS? Research says the learning process is 50% social-emotional and 50% cognitive (Zakrewski, 2014). Prevents challenging behaviors Ultimately, helps lead to positive and supportive relationships

OBSTACLES TO TEACHING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING Little time to explicitly teach SEL Focus on Common Core standards Few descriptions of SEL implementation benchmarks & fidelity (Maxwell, Odom, and Iruka, 2012) Teach as a course = no teaching continuum

OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES Integrate throughout the entire day vs. one time for 30-45 minutes per week Do not just teach during “crisis” moments Match Common Core standard with core SEL competency Establish benchmarks based on student(s)’ strengths Sequenced, active, focused, explicit (SAFE) programming

WHERE TO BEGIN? Establish a baseline focus Develop plan within your classroom, among staff teams, or even school wide Develop target, engaging lessons Teach, model, re-teach Utilize programs or proactive SEL tools Track skill acquisition until mastery Reinforce through teachable moments

ACTIVITY Read Scenario Card Identify the social emotional deficit Identify the competency to teach Write a goal for student Share

EXAMPLE GOALS Elementary: Identify feelings and emotions. Begin to learn emotional triggers. Middle: Use strategies to manage emotions and be self-reflective. High: Understand impact of others and find community resources to help self-manage.

EXAMPLE OF SEL INFUSION Literacy & Writing Analyze emotions and how they affect others (self-awareness) Math Time management, seek help when needed (self-management) Social Studies Appreciate diversity, predict others’ feelings (social awareness) Science Cooperative learning, communicate effectively (relationship management)

MY EXAMPLE Morning Group- emotion check-in Pre-corrections- if angry, you can do this…. Schedule/Rotations- time management skills, review of responsibility Throughout the day- reminder of behavioral expectations and continuous reinforcement via token system

TIPS TO TEACHING Teach whole class, tailor specific lessons with individual if necessary Teach one skill at a time Even when mastered, still reiterate any learned skill(s) Progress monitor SEL competency being taught

HOW TO PROGRESS MONITOR Create a rubric with assigned points Help students tally their weekly goal Reinforce those who meet the class goal (in terms of points) Think about incorporating an academic assignment specific to SEL weekly to assess application and generalization of skill being taught

If you have any questions, please contact me at: “Social Skill development is a life long process and is a crucial part of our success in life.” ---Anonymous THANK YOU! If you have any questions, please contact me at: amwhite@wsfcs.k12.nc.us