We all understand that video games can cause problems, we hear that every day. I won’t even go into the many ways that some of these games can create antisocial and apathetic behaviors. I want to talk about the video games that teach empathy, better human connection and understanding. Like a good storyteller, a video […]
CONTINUE READINGFostering a Growth Mindset I remember extending my right hand up in the air and waving it feverishly. I thought, today “I had enough” after being ignored by my fourth-grade teacher too many times, today was the day I was going to speak up. Daily, I eagerly raised my hand to answer a question only […]
CONTINUE READINGHealthy Relationships take time and effort to mature. It is important to teach youth the key elements of creating positive relationships with friends, family members and people they may encounter throughout their life. Respect, Trust, Honesty and Communication are required when developing good relationships. What makes a healthy relationship? Group discussion: As a group […]
CONTINUE READINGWhat is Empathy? Empathy is the ability to understand another person’s feelings, thoughts, and point of view. One day, I was asked to observe a first-grade teacher. She was taking off for a couple of days, and I was asked to cover her class in her absence. She greeted her students with much […]
CONTINUE READINGGet Started with SEL: #SELFORCT, #CTAfterschoolNetwork #We love SEL You need resources, well here you go? I created this list to help educators GET STARTED WITH SEL. These resources are easy to integrate into your busy after school schedules. In addition to getting started, we want to see SEL in ACTION! Post pictures, including short […]
CONTINUE READINGWhen finding the right assessment tool to measure students’ social and emotional learning skills after school, professionals will run into a few challenges. Adhering to SEL standards will ensure accountability and assist with helping educators plan, assess and support student learning. However, with so many assessment tools to pick from educators are left scratching our […]
CONTINUE READINGIn Arizona this past weekend, I presented at workshops in a conference called “Excellence, 2018 School’s Out, Make It Count”. Along with presenting, I attended an excellent workshop called ” Boys and Girls Learn Differently.” The seminar centered on brain-based educational research and techniques that can be used in classrooms that help children learn better. […]
CONTINUE READINGSimple mini SEL lessons to make afterschool snack time fun Teaching children gratitude can be trick thing. Even adults have a rough time remembering to be grateful. We get caught up in our daily lives and forget to be thankful for what we have. Watch- Kid President’s 25 Reasons to Be Thankful! It is a […]
CONTINUE READINGHave you ever heard something that shifted your perspective? While away at an afterschool conference, I acquired one of the most valuable pieces of wisdom on parenting that continues to guide me now. When I attended the workshop at the conference, I was a young single parent raising a seven-year-old daughter. I worked from 8:30 a.m. […]
CONTINUE READINGSimple mini SEL lessons to make afterschool snack time fun During snack time, or whenever you need a short activity, have student watch the short animated film, “Soar,” set to Sia’s song “Never Give Up” With each new experience, growing young minds are always discovering and learning how to find their place in this […]
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