By Merril Hawkins, UE Head Teacher
The UE students have wrapped up the Second Step Social and Emotional Learning unit on empathy. The focal points in this unit were, first, identify and understand feelings, their own as well as others’. Second, recognize that people may have different feelings and understand that others may have different perspectives about similar situations. Finally, learn how to express compassion for others.
As the unit is winding down we have seen evidence of these lessons being used by the children in and out of the classroom. For example, during recess children are now more frequently inviting bystanders to join in on the fun. In addition, many children have been assertively asking to join in on an activity. In the classroom children are relating what they have learned from these lessons to their literature circle discussions about characters in the book.
We are now beginning the second unit: Emotion Management. The goal of this unit is to develop students' ability to recognize and manage their own strong feelings before they escalate and result in negative consequences. To do this, first the children will learn to recognize how strong feelings affect their brains and bodies. Then, to use strategies to calm down and manage feelings by using centered breathing, positive self-talk, and communicating assertively before acting on their first impulse. Teaching students these techniques provides them with coping skills and reduces aggression and other problem behaviors. Those who use these essential life skills are more likely to get along with peers and make good choices. Learning to cope with strong emotions and express them in socially acceptable ways leads to success in school – social as well as academic.
Thank you for your continue participation in helping to make sure important lessons are being heard both at home and at school through your modeling as well as using the weekly “homelinks” to start conversations with your child.
