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Social Emotional Learning Part One: Teaching Kindness to Inspire Change

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Resources | 0 comments

Please find below our daily SolBe Family update letter containing helpful resources and exciting projects to explore while we all do our part to stay home during this pandemic. Subscribe here to receive updates.

June 8, 2020

SolBe Families,

As I said in our post on June 4, “We have always held the belief that raising accepting, aligned, wholesome citizens of the world requires the implementation of the core values of Social Emotional Learning.” Today, our spotlight is on kindness. 

Now, more than ever, let us approach one another with kindness. Let us find space to hold others and ourselves with warmth and tenderness. Take moments to breathe and to listen.

First thing is first: What is Social-Emotional Learning?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning’s definition felt comprehensive and clear: “SEL is how children and adults learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” 

How do we introduce kindness in Social-Emotional Learning?

Kindness, like many aspects within SEL, is often most effectively shared and taught through modeling. How can we show up as kind adults eager to approach others from a place of empathy so that our children can too? Can you find opportunities to point out acts of kindness or moments of warmth to your little ones? Are there moments in a book, show or class where you could take an extra few seconds to talk to your little one about how being kind can affect others and ourselves positively? 

Books to Pair with Project:

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller 

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët. 

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek

Helpful Resources:

8 Reasons for Teaching Kindness in Schools on teachthought.com

9 Tips for Teaching Kindness in the Classroom from PBS

Wee The People is a resource one of our families recommended in the Boston Area that is wonderful.

Kindness Project: Spreading Kindness Rocks in our Community

Materials

  • Paint or Markers
  • Time

Step One

Rock Collection! Out and about once again. Any excuse for a long stroll or an exploration out in the woods. Fresh air is also a major player in having time to reflect and share some of these values.    

 

Step Two

Paint your stones! We did this in two rounds. We painted the rocks with fun and vibrant colors. Then we chatted about what messages someone might like to see if they are walking through the neighborhood.  

 

Step Three

Spread the love! Take a final walk through your neighborhood and drop the rocks in random places along the path. Ask your little one, “Do you think someone walking by would be happy if they saw this message?” “Is this a loving message or a nice message?”

 More resources to follow in the coming days. Feedback and more ideas welcome! 

Above all, be well and stay healthy!

The SolBe Team


Be Supported

We’ve felt the uncertainty that occurs when our children are in the care of someone else. At SolBe, we know you will always be your child’s first teacher; we’re here as a knowledgeable partner in your child’s education.

From our experience, children rise to the intellectual life of those around them, so we are committed to growing as individuals and as a team. You can count on us to provide a warm and engaging learning experience for your little one.

Be Inspired

We’ve spent thousands of hours in classrooms that either overstimulate, underwhelm, or actively prevent educators from delivering the highest-quality education and care. At SolBe, you’ll go beyond the traditional four-walled classroom.

Our award-winning, inventive and uplifting learning spaces stimulate the senses and instill feelings of home-like safety and comfort. They allow for your child’s, and our educators’, changing needs and emotions. They create room for wonder—for learning, and living, outside the lines.

Be Immersed

We’ve seen what’s lost when things are done the way they’ve always been done before. SolBe is an adaptive Spanish exposure program that refuses to accept the status quo.

Our inventive practices grow from the shoulders of giants, with roots in the Reggio Emilia approach, the Montessori method, and well-researched cognitive disciplines that attend to the whole child. We create opportunities to develop character attributes that your child will benefit from for a lifetime. Collaboration. Communication. Independence. Healthy risk-taking. Critical thinking. Emotional awareness. Resilience. Intellectual curiosity. Creative innovation. An authentic love of life and learning.

Be Well

We know what it’s like to forget to feed ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. At SolBe, we understand it’s impossible for you to pour from an empty cup. And we do what we can to keep your cup full.

Our learning ecosystem is designed with children and educators—and you—in mind. Seed-to-table nutrition program. Yoga and mindfulness. An all-inclusive experience so you don’t need to worry about finding time to provide meals, diapers, or wipes (unless you want to). Evening and weekend family programs.