Social Emotional Learning is the process through which children and adults understand and manage
emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Your child gets pieces of this on a daily basis both at home and at school. Every Friday, he she will participate in a specific weekly lesson and follow-up discussion with his/her Willow adults.
We know there are times that emotions get the best of us...even grown ups. Our goal is to equip students with strategies to make the best decisions during these times. Mindfulness goes hand in hand with SEL. Friday afternoons will also include this component of our approach to nurturing your child.
One way to think of it is as CARES:
Cooperation
Establish new relationships, maintain positive relationships and friendships, avoid social isolation, resolve conflicts, accept differences, be contributing members of the classroom and school communities, and work productively and collaboratively with others.
Assertiveness
Take initiative, stand up for ideas without hurting or negating others, and seek help.
Responsibility
Take action and follow through on expectations; define problems, consider the consequences, and choose positive solutions
Empathy
Understand others’ states of mind and emotions, be receptive to new ideas and perspectives, appreciate and value differences and diversity in others, have concern for others’ welfare even when it doesn’t benefit oneself or may come as a cost to oneself.
Self-Control
Recognize and regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to be successful in the moment and remain on a successful trajectory.
