How to Take a "Both And" Approach to SEL and Academics
Access three strategies to help you infuse SEL within summer learning initiatives—and beyond.
Social-emotional learning can help us create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments that increase students’ agency, build self-efficacy, and improve academic outcomes.
As districts begin to wrap up the current school year and prepare for summer programming, it is important that we empower educators with the flexibility to choose activities that engage students academically while tending to their core social and emotional needs—this spring and beyond.
Although adopting this “both and” mindset when it comes to SEL and academics is a daunting task, doing so is crucial to ensuring that our students feel validated, affirmed, and celebrated as they engage in rigorous instruction this summer (and beyond). Continue reading to explore three strategies for embedding SEL within both your end of the school year initiatives as well as summer school programs in your community.
[P.S. Our friends at SEL4VT are raising seed capital to establish an annual grant program to help fund SEL and mental well-being projects in Vermont classrooms. Individuals who donate $25+ will receive a free annual subscription to SEL in 5➕, which gives you access to more exclusive articles similar to what you’re about to read. Thank you for considering a donation!]
1. Give students voice and choice.
Research shows that students who are given choices about their learning are more likely to engage in deeper learning and display more on-task behavior. Summer school can provide the same types of personalized learning experiences that many students thrived in during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To give your students a voice and choice this summer:
Prioritize relationship-building. Summer school is a prime opportunity for educators to build relationships with students. When adults make an effort to learn about (and celebrate) students' identities and passions, it can create a sense of belonging at school.
Have students co-author their summer learning journeys. A “co-creation” approach to summer school can help students explore new topics and connect their personal interests to academics. For example, community-service learning and project-based learning projects are great ways for students to take ownership and co-create the learning experience. Creating SEL Choice Boards is another great way to give students optionality and flexibility this summer.
Frequently check-in with students to meet them where they are and adjust to their needs. Carve out time for quick, asynchronous check-ins during morning meetings or general class time. This help build adult-student relationships by identifying students’ opinions, feedback, and needs—academically, socially, and emotionally.
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2. Ensure SEL instruction is trauma-informed.
Trauma-informed SEL practices build learning environments that allow students to heal and learn. Over the past year, teachers have been creating predictable routines to help students feel safe in classrooms, virtual or otherwise. We can keep building from a place of strength.
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