Empathy, Emotional Literacy & Engagement …

Gifts to Your Students and Yourself

⚡︎ Essential Edge: Ever watch the movies Inside Out and Inside Out 2? One of them might be the perfect choice for movie time during the holidays.

Set Students Up for Emotional Success

We all recognize that social-emotional learning not only cuts down on classroom disruptions but also helps students deal with their emotions on the playground, at home and anywhere else in between. It’s a no-brainer that SEL is a skill that will help them throughout their lives.

However, there are so many layers to this concept that getting started – or making it a priority – is a bit overwhelming. On top of that, the upcoming holidays can become more harried and stressful not only for teachers but the students as well.

Simple Steps

The holiday season can be a mixed bag for students, filled with joy but also potential stress and anxiety. Here are some effective strategies to help them navigate their emotions during this time.

1. Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for students to express their feelings. Encourage them to talk about what they love and what stresses them out about the holidays. Listening can be incredibly validating.
2. Teach Emotional Literacy: Sometimes students simply don’t have the right words to articulate what they’re feeling. By teaching them a growing, deeper vocabulary, you help them identify their emotions and take responsibility for them. 
3. Practice Mindfulness: Introduce mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling. These practices can help students center themselves and manage overwhelming feelings.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Remind students that it’s okay not to have a perfect holiday experience. Discussing their expectations can help them feel more in control and reduce anxiety.
5. Engage in Positive Activities: Encourage students to participate in activities that uplift them, such as volunteering, spending time with friends, or engaging in hobbies they love. These positive experiences can counterbalance holiday stress.
6. Establish Routines: Maintaining a consistent daily routine provides stability. Encourage students to include time for relaxation and self-care amidst the holiday hustle.

By fostering emotional awareness and providing supportive strategies, we help students navigate the complexities of their feelings during the holidays.

Read More

Here are a few more links that might help during the upcoming holidays:

“Why Inside Out 2 is the Perfect SEL Movie”

“Helping Students Who Find Holidays Hard”

“3 Ways to Integrate SEL Into Classroom Practices”

"Teaching Students Empathy Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs"

Image by u_rocy2oj32b from Pixabay