K-8 Emotions & Relationships

ELEMENTARY
   Students in Elementary have settled into their SEL rotations. Students are becoming more independent in their transition to group and readiness to learn relationship skills. All group activities focus on CASEL standards. Activities are adapted to the needs of the group. Students have been working on basic student skills such as raising their hands and learning the routine. In addition, we have focused on understanding emotions and making and keeping friends.
   As we work on student skills, students learn self-awareness through games that practice following directions and maintaining personal space. In making and keeping friends, students drew and discussed what they look for in a friend and they discuss how to respond when a friend is in need. Finally,  to begin understanding emotions, we identify sensations, thoughts, and actions that accompany feelings.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
   In Middle School, students have also been learning about our routine, expressing personal identity, and understanding emotions. As part of our routine, we begin with different activities that encourage self-regulation and mindfulness. We follow this with a check-in that includes the opportunity for students to express themselves and consider different opinions through various in our weekly bracket. Students are always eager to see what comes out on top and what their peers vote for.
   This month we have learned about identities. Students have spent many weeks considering their own identities and creating artistic expressions of who they are. Middle School is a key time of self-discovery. Identity portraits are an opportunity for students to express themselves and get to know their peers.
   In addition to identities, students deepen their understanding of emotions. We have talked about the thoughts, actions, and sensations that lead to different emotions. We focused on the purpose of emotions as notifications to help us communicate and connect. One key skill is remembering that emotions come and go like waves. Even with strong emotions, we can use tools and tolerance to ride them out.
– Emma Mamis, Clinical Counselor

All Activities Address SEL Standards & Competencies:
​https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/se/tselcompetencies.asp

MS Weekly Bracket sample