| | SEPTEMBER - 20228IN MY OPINION 3 PRACTICES TO CREATING MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR ALLBy Statia Paschel, Director of Social and Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness, Austin ISDHave you ever walked away from a learning experience feeling seen, valued and connected to the work? Did you feel like your presence and expertise went beyond accumulated degrees or completions of certifications? Like the essence of who you are, your personal and cultural assets, were essential to the success of the collaborative efforts? How did that make you feel? How was your performance and/or learning impacted? I want you to keep that person in mind. Growing up, we all have memories of our teachers. The ones that we admire taught in a way that had a lasting impression. Millie Von See was that inspirational educator for me. She made me feel like I could accomplish any goal that I set my mind to because I had all the tools that I needed, even when I didn't see those strengths in myself. She knew my name, my fears, my strengths, my desires and my family. She greeted me at the door, asked how my weekend went, encouraged my voice in classroom discussions and gave us time to work together as peers. Back then, there wasn't a name for what she did. It was just a part of who she was and her sense of being. Now, I recognize her educational philosophy about classroom culture created a climate that celebrated each of us as our fullest selves. If we accept that the day-to-day interactions between teachers, students and staff are determining factors of the success or failure of our schools, then sustaining an equitable learning environment is essential. Intentional threading of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Signature Practices is a tool that can foster interaction and establish brave spaces for equity of voice in a supportive learning environment. The following are three SEL signature practices from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) that should be used whenever we come together as a community of learners. Welcoming or Inclusive Opening: Setting the tone for the learning· Instead of jumping right into a meeting or instruction, starting with brief routines provides interactive experiences that give everyone a voice and connects the community of learners.· There is an element of personal choice that builds community, creates a climate of inclusion and communicates belonging.· The strategy used matches the purpose and needs of participants.Example: Checking in with participants with a reflective question that allows them to share as little or as much as they choose. "What's a color that describes how you feel?"Engaging Strategies: Time for processing, sense-making and brain breaks· Embed experiences where learners are naturally engaged Statia Paschel
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