February 2024 at the SECD Lab
As February comes to a close, we hope everyone has settled well into the new year. At the SECD Lab, we have been hard at work promoting the upcoming SEL Day, celebrated Black History month, and spreading awareness about important SEL topics! Continue reading to learn about the importance of emotional resilience, assertiveness, and positive relationships and how these can all be implemented in children’s lives. Additionally, don’t forget to register for SEL week to gain access to resources and hear about some great SEL practices from amazing presenters!
#SELday 2024 is Quickly Approaching!!!
There are only a few days left until SEL day on March 8th, and school educators and mental health professionals from all over are coming together to promote SEL practices for children’s growth and well-being. This year's theme is Today's Students, Tomorrow's Leaders, which emphasizes the important role SEL plays in shaping future leaders who are equipped with crucial life skills beyond academics. In our blog post about SEL Day, you will find key resources and registration links to webinars, which will run from March 4th to March 7th, as well as a registration link for the SEL Day Summit on March 8th. We hope you’ll join in on this amazing opportunity to connect with fellow SEL advocates to better implement SEL roactices in schools!
SEL Implementation App Coming Soon…
The SECD Lab is proud to announce that we are in the process of creating an app to help support SEL instruction in schools and share the SEL mission with a larger audience. Now, we need YOUR HELP to bring this app to life!
Please take a few moments to fill out the following User Research Survey to help us develop an app that best caters to your needs. Additionally, if you are interested in helping to create this app, sign up for an interview here. We greatly appreciate your help and encourage you to share these links with others!
Black History Month
Black History Month is a time of reflection and celebration, honoring the contributions and achievements of Black leaders both past and present. It serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and diversity in education, as well as the profound impact Black history has on shaping our society.
The teaching of Black history has faced challenges in schools across the nation. However, last year, New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy made a statement in support of preserving and expanding the teaching of Black history in schools.
"New Jersey will proudly teach our kids that Black History is American History," Governor Murphy declared, emphasizing the essential role Black history plays in providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their country's past and fostering a sense of empathy and appreciation for the experiences of others. He recognizes that it is essential students receive a well-rounded education that accurately reflects the diversity of American history.
Early elementary educators, in particular, are highlighted as key influencers in shaping students' awareness and understanding of racial justice issues. By equipping teachers with the necessary resources and tools to teach Black history effectively, students are empowered to develop enhanced consciousness, leadership skills, and empathy.
Representation matters profoundly in education. By showcasing examples of Black trailblazers and achievers, students of all backgrounds are inspired to succeed while gaining a deeper appreciation for the value of inclusion and diversity. As we commemorate Black History Month and look ahead, it is essential to continue advocating for equity and inclusivity in our classrooms.
Resources:
Facts, Theme, & Origin of Black History Month
Importance of Teaching Black History
AP African American Studies Class
Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience is crucial for coping with stress and adversity, allowing people to effectively respond to challenging situations. Factors such as age, identity, and life experiences influence a person’s level of resilience. Strategies for building emotional resilience include gaining perspective on stressful events, maintaining a positive outlook, and giving yourself a break during difficult times.
Here are a few other ways to boost your emotional resilience:
Face your fears
Have a moral compass
Get social support
Keep your brain strong
Find meaning in what you do
Resources:
10 Ways to Boost Emotional Resilience
Resilience Guide for Parents & Educators
Assertiveness
Assertive communication is a challenging skill to develop in a culture that often rewards aggression and passivity. Teaching and practicing assertiveness techniques can empower children to express their needs and boundaries effectively. In educational settings, students who lack assertiveness skills may struggle to participate openly or confront bullying, while teachers may find it challenging to set clear expectations or seek support. Teaching assertiveness techniques, such as the "nice no," setting boundaries, asking for thinking time, stating needs clearly, using "I feel" messages, and knowing how to respond to aggression, can equip both students and teachers with valuable tools for effective communication and conflict resolution.
Teachers can help foster assertiveness by:
Exploring empathy first
Recognizing feelings
Guiding “what-if“ discussions
Practicing skills
Sustaining connections
TikTok
Additional Resources & Important Sites
Check out how different organizations and networks are supporting SEL and promoting social and emotional intelligence in schools to improve the education system for students!
With a mission of advancing students’ social and economic mobility by improving public education, the Urban Assembly (UA) is a model provider of school support, supporting a network of 23 small, high-performing career-themed NYC schools. The UA provides school support in 4 key areas to advance student growth: Academics (math and literacy), Leadership, College Access, Career Readiness, and Social-Emotional Learning - as well as Postsecondary Success support in college and career for UA alumni. The UA engages hundreds of public, private, and non-profit sector partners to increase educational opportunities and close the opportunity gap.
SEL4US was founded in 2019 to empower local advocates to influence and support their communities to implement high-quality social and emotional learning. SEL4US is a national organization that works at the state and community levels to raise awareness of the benefits of SEL, promote and support SEL implementation, and advance policies and funding to sustain and spread the use of high-quality SEL.
Six Seconds is a global non-profit network working to increase the world’s emotional intelligence. Six Seconds’ helps people be “smarter with feelings” by providing training, tools and methods to assist others in practicing these skills. Emotional intelligence is a set of learnable, measurable skills that predict improved effectiveness, relationships, quality of life and wellbeing.
Six Seconds is holding a free webinar on March 7th at 7am PST entitled “The Emotional Intelligence Network: From Research to the Practical and Fun Side of Emotional Intelligence!” Click here for more details on the virtual event and the registration link.
Stay Connected with Us!
To keep up to date with our lab on a day to day basis, please go follow our social media accounts! We are on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest. We also have a podcast titled, SECD On Demand! Check it out wherever you may listen to your podcasts!