Social Emotional Learning

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

 

How are Social Emotional Lessons taught?

 

At AIA, students (TK-8) participate in regular social emotional lessons and programming. Each day, teachers check-in with students during morning meeting or advisory; during this time, teachers can introduce a new SEL topic, address any issues from the day or previous day, or have a social circle to facilitate community building.

 

In addition to the daily meetings, teachers facilitate a weekly SEL lesson in their classroom. The teachers utilize research based curriculums, as well as materials gathered by the Director of Student Culture to teach specific skills or topics. These lessons are typically 30-45 minutes, however, connections can be made to other academic areas (e.g. History, Social Studies, English). In the Elementary School, teacher will be utilizing the Sandford Harmony Curriculum; the Middle School will be utilizing the Habitiudes program from Growing leaders.