The Second Annual School Mental Health Conference Families, Schools and Communities: Working Together to Improve Mental Health The Three Rs and an SEL Presented by: Caryn Curry SEL Awareness Coordinator June 26, 2012 Lisle, IL

Objectives To reflect on the importance of using social and emotional learning as a lens through which to conduct our work.

Let us put our minds together and see what kind of life we can make for our children. -Sitting Bull

Activity Think back to your childhood What adult had the most positive impact on you as you were growing up, in school and out? Describe that person/those people to a partner Share with group

What is SEL A PROCESS FOR ACQUIRING SKILLS TO: Recognize and manage emotions Demonstrate caring and concern for others Establish positive relationships Make responsible decisions Handle challenging situations effectively Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, 2005

What are the Core SEL Competencies? social & emotional learning Self-awareness Social awareness Relationship Skills Responsible decision- making Self- management Forming positive relationships, working in teams, and dealing effectively with conflict Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goals Showing understanding and empathy for others Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and limitations Source: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning

Mental Health Mental health is the “successful performance of mental function resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity.” -Department of Health and Human Services (1999) Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General

Connection Between SEL and Mental Health SEL promotes positive mental health SEL enhances resiliency SEL skills protect us from environmental factors that contribute to mental health problems

Stress Stress is a response to any situation or factor that creates an emotional or physical change or combination of both emotional and physical changes (the most typical scenario). Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life.

Activity When you are stressed:  How do you feel?  What do you do?  What do you need?

What do we expect from our children/students?

What Can Individuals Do? Self-Assess Self-Care Model SEL competencies Assume others’ positive intent

So what?

Closing Thought “An atmosphere that provides support for a child's social and emotional development and competence versus one that does not, can make a huge difference in that child's life. The difference is equal to the difference in the outcome of throwing seeds on cement versus planting seeds in enriched soil. And what a difference that is!" Dr. James Comer

Presenter Caryn Curry SEL Awareness Coordinator Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership , x318 Raising Caring, Confident, Capable Kids