Hand in Hand With Academic Development
Teaching students skills like empathy, self-awareness, and how to manage disappointment and other stressful emotions makes them better learners, research shows. Because of the way our brains are wired, our emotions can either enhance or inhibit our ability to learn. To compliment our strong academic and arts curriculum, students learn to develop their understanding of themselves and others through the four units of our social and emotional heath curriculum: Caring for Ourselves, Courtesy, Inclusiveness, and Integrity. Parents can learn more about social and emotional learning at grade coffees and teacher conferences, further strengthening the home-school partnership on the social emotional health of our children.
Caring for Ourselves
Caring for ourselves means finding ways to feel good about being a positive and constructive community member. Students learn to use “I” messages for conflict resolution, ask for help when needed, practice reading facial expressions, take responsibility for themselves, their belongings, and their school duties, set personal and academic goals, recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, and understand what personal space is needed both at school and at home to ensure successful interactions with others.
Courtesy
Practicing courtesy involves showing kindness, helping others, and using manners in the community. Kindergartners through 4th graders are supported in using courteous language and practice courteous behavior, both in the classroom and at home, practice active listening and respectful discussion and conversation, acknowledge others for courteous acts, make good eye contact, and practice good sportsmanship.
Inclusiveness
Inclusiveness in the K-4 curriculum looks at ensuring that others are included in any community activity. Kindergartners begin by developing the ability to recognize when someone is lonely and then inviting them to play; practicing language to enter pre-existing games; and understanding and celebrating differences. By 4th grade, students have developed the ability to understand one’s role in a situation or conflict and to resolve conflicts independently and learned to take turns leading and speaking during group work, making sure each student has a role in the discussion or activity.
Integrity
Integrity is being honest and truthful at all times, even when no one is watching. Students learn to follow the rules and tell the truth, even when it’s hard; take personal responsibility for their actions; be an active community member by making positive contributions; brainstorm difficult situations and find possible solutions; keep promises and be accountable; understand the role of the “bystander” as well as a role model; and recognize the consequences and effects of their personal choices vis-a-vis peer pressure.