SEL in 5 – On Building Belonging
This month, we learn about the importance of building students’ sense of belonging in ways that address relationships and are culturally responsive.
Also, our friends at the Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully are hosting their fifth annual Educating Mindfully Conference from 3/10-3/12. Learn more and register for this virtual event here.
3 SEL Leadership Thoughts
Belonging matters.
We know from a large body of research that belonging in students’ school experience (and the roles that educators play in supporting it) is an incredibly important ingredient of an environment in which students thrive. Students who report a strong sense of belonging tend to be more engaged, more motivated to learn, have better rates of attendance, perform better academically, exhibit higher self-esteem and overall better mental health. [Tweet This]
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As students progress through elementary school and transition to secondary education, it's as if we forget the importance of relationships and connection. While we know that nurturing connections with students and building belonging is critical, this tends to take a backseat to test prep and social order. Yet, the importance of a sense of belonging only increases as our scholars enter adolescence; in fact, it remains a key motive up to and including college and graduate school. [Tweet This]
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We must focus on supporting students and adults in tandem. Whether you are prioritizing students’ sense of belonging, social-emotional competencies, or overall well-being, we need to consider these needs for our staff, too. The emotional skills of educators can positively influence student conduct, engagement, connection to school, and academic performance. This means that we need to strive for collective well-being and build SEL competencies across our entire school communities. [Tweet This]
2 Quotes from SEL Leaders
“The challenge of our times is addressing mental health and well-being while trying to meet curriculum expectations, (i.e., crowded curriculum and difficult learning conditions laced with anxiety and stress). Understanding and addressing both relationships and pedagogy is the challenge of the century for schools.” – Michael Fullan [Tweet This]
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“Supporting the optimal social, emotional, and academic development of youth requires that educators and educational leaders effectively apply SEL in ways that are meaningful, relevant, and affirming to the identities and lived experiences of youth.” – LiberatED SEL [Tweet This]
1 Question to Reflect On
What is one quality that you can “gift” to others you work with?
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If you enjoyed that, please consider sharing SEL in 5 with others.
Until next month,
Nick Woolf
Author of SEL in 5
Founder of Inside SEL
p.s. here’s what else I’m reading and listening to: