A big part of my teaching credential education through the Education Studies Department at UCSD focused on children's social-emotional learning (SEL) and development. As an educator, I believe that teaching the social-emotional curriculum is as important as teaching the academic curriculum & content. My ultimate goal is to create lifelong learners who are equipped with the necessary social, emotional, and academic skills to positively contribute to the world. I've compiled this list of resources that focus on practicing mindfulness, coping & managing stress and anxiety, developing a growth mindset, and learning important 21st century skills for success!
Practicing Mindfulness
In class, we often practice mindfulness and self-awareness by doing an activity called "Checking in with yourself." Students rate themselves on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being "not the best," 3 being "okay" and 5 being "awesome"!
They often use the sentence frame: "I am feeling at a ______ because _________________."
Some other mindfulness strategies we've used in class include:
* Taking slow & measured deep breaths in and out.
* Closing your eyes and counting slowly to 10.
* Taking a sip of water.
* Activating your 5-4-3-2-1 Spidey Senses!
In addition here are some wonderful books about mindfulness that students have engaged with in class!
They often use the sentence frame: "I am feeling at a ______ because _________________."
Some other mindfulness strategies we've used in class include:
* Taking slow & measured deep breaths in and out.
* Closing your eyes and counting slowly to 10.
* Taking a sip of water.
* Activating your 5-4-3-2-1 Spidey Senses!
- 5 things you SEE
- 4 things you can TOUCH
- 3 things you HEAR
- 2 things you can SMELL
- 1 thing you can TASTE
In addition here are some wonderful books about mindfulness that students have engaged with in class!
"I" Statements or Messages
At school, students learned how to use "I" Statements or Messages, which is a valuable tool to manage & navigate conflict and social relationships both inside & outside the classroom. Students practiced using the follow sentence frame:
I feel __________ (state how you feel) when __________ (what happened).
Please ______________________________ (what you want to happen instead).
Please ______________________________ (what you want to happen instead).
21st Century Life Skills for Success
I believe in the importance of teaching important 21st Century life skills that will allow your child to succeed not only in the classroom, but outside in the world. There are many variations of these important skills, which I'm calling the "7 Cs." They are:
Read more about these skills here:
Nonacademic Skills Are Key To Success
How to Raise Brilliant Children, According to Science
- Communication (and building community)
- Collaboration (and cooperation)
- Content (both learning academic content, and applying it to the outside world)
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Confidence
- Compassion (through developing character traits such as empathy & kindness)
Read more about these skills here:
Nonacademic Skills Are Key To Success
How to Raise Brilliant Children, According to Science
Other Parent Resources & Articles
NPR Life Kit Parenting Podcast: I've really enjoyed listening to these short 20 minute podcasts about topics such as helping kids that struggle with anxiety, managing screen time habits, practicing self-control, and raising kids who love math!
5-Minute Film Festival on Growth Mindset: Learn about how to foster a positive, growth mindset attitude with your child by watching these 5 minute YouTube videos.
Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media provides ratings for movies, TV shows, books, applications, and video games, along with a lot of important information that helps parents & educators navigate an increasingly technology/media dependent world.
More resources will be added throughout the school year!
5-Minute Film Festival on Growth Mindset: Learn about how to foster a positive, growth mindset attitude with your child by watching these 5 minute YouTube videos.
Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media provides ratings for movies, TV shows, books, applications, and video games, along with a lot of important information that helps parents & educators navigate an increasingly technology/media dependent world.
More resources will be added throughout the school year!