I trust everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend and took a little time to relax and just breathe. This long season of uncertainty has taken a collective toll on our mental and physical health. As much as we may feel overwhelmed and overextended, so do our children. Any type of stress that adults may be experiencing during times filled with change and uncertainty will probably be mirrored in children, especially those that bring additional vulnerabilities. Our children are watching and listening. We are modeling reactions and behaviors, not only in the classroom but in our hallways, workplace, courts and fields, on the phone, and online.
This is why TCSC and school districts across the nation have put additional emphasis on social and emotional learning (SEL) during these difficult times. SEL is defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning as, “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.”
Note the word “adults” in the definition. SEL is more than just a program or lesson. It describes the mindsets, skills, attitudes, and feelings that help students enjoy greater success in school, workplace, and life. It is about how teaching and learning happens, as well as what you teach and where you learn. At its core, SEL focuses on students’ fundamental needs for motivation, social connectedness, and self-regulation as prerequisites for learning. Educators may also refer to SEL as “non-cognitive skills,” interpersonal skills, “soft skills,’ “21st century skills,” “character strengths, and/or “whole child development.”
While some terminology may be new, the concept is not and has long been widely recognized as foundational to K-12 education. By developing these qualities in the classroom, students become better, more productive, self-aware, and socially aware citizens outside of the classroom in the years ahead. TCSC has used SEL programming for last 10 years, much of the content used is our own, but we also supplement with Second Step®, a program rooted in social-emotional learning, that helps transform schools into supportive, successful learning environments uniquely equipped to help children thrive. Designed for Early Learning though grade 8, the evidence-based program features tools, teaching aids, activity guides, and resources for classroom teachers to ensure successful social-emotional skills instruction.
In fact, the Second Step® curriculum was developed in 1985 and was named an exemplary program for the promotion of Safe and Drug Free Schools by the Bush Administration in 2001. In 2013, Second Step® was honored for its bullying prevention program, which we use as part of our anti-bullying program for grades K-8. All content is vetted by TCSC school counselors and social workers. Lessons will be posted on our website. Our SEL curriculum, taught one day a week for 30 minutes, has made a positive impact on the lives of students, teachers, parents, and the larger community.
I know we are looking forward to a bit of a return to normalcy at 53rd Tipton County Pork Festival this weekend. Festivals like this are what make our community so special and the TCSC family is honored to be a part of the festivities. Be safe, and have a great weekend! #TiptonPride
