Dear Families,
We are excited to share that over the next few weeks, our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program will focus on the theme of friendship with our 4th and 5th graders. Understanding and maintaining healthy friendships is an important part of children’s social development and overall well-being.
Focus Areas:
1. Understanding Friendship:
- Students will learn about the qualities that make a good friend, such as kindness, trustworthiness, empathy, and respect. We will discuss how friendships can have a positive impact on their lives and how important it is to be a good friend to others.
2. Building and Maintaining Friendships:
- We will explore how to start and maintain friendships through effective communication, active listening, and shared activities. Students will learn strategies for connecting with others and building meaningful, supportive relationships.
3. Navigating Friendship Challenges:
- As part of learning about friendship, students will discuss common challenges they may face, such as misunderstandings, disagreements, and peer pressure. They will learn strategies for handling these situations constructively and how to seek help when needed.
4. Empathy and Inclusivity:
- Emphasizing the importance of empathy, we will encourage students to consider others' feelings and perspectives. We will also focus on the value of inclusivity, teaching students how to welcome and include others, especially those who may feel left out or different.
How You Can Support at Home:
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students develop strong social skills and build lasting, healthy friendships. Together, we can help our children create positive, supportive relationships that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Warm regards,
Justice Manchester, LLMSW
Social Emotional Learning Coach
manchesj@salineschools.org
