| | SEPTEMBER - 20229Intentional 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 environmentboth individually and with their peers throughout the experience.· Use strategies that honor the array of cultural norms and personal learning/working preferences that exist in your group.· Helps the group stay focused and in a state of optimal learning.Example: Think, Ink, Share - participants have thinking time, writing out their thoughts and then share with a peerOptimistic Close: Authentic reflection and looking forward· Don't be fooled by the name and think it means ending on a happy note. It is the intentional and authentic reflection and understanding of the learning experience.· Give participants time to reflect and be future focused.· Everyone's voice is heard by at least one other person or in writing.Example: Complete a closing check-in on emotions by simply asking something like, "Which one to two words sum up your feelings about our time together?"We know that all learning is social, emotional and cultural. Research shows that students who participate in SEL have better coping skills, stronger pro-social skills and more effective stress management skills. SEL Signature Practices are a tool to help cultivate an environment to build connections (ie. teacher-student, student-student, whole class community) in order to optimize the learning experience for staff and students. Thus, this is not intended to be used randomly. SEL Signature Practices should be woven throughout every lesson/meeting, every day of the year. They can become the anchor for supportive environments that build SEL competencies and create an opportunity for equitable voice, seeing one another and celebrating our strengths. Mrs. See will forever be a huge influence into why I became an educator. She is the epitome of SEL in action. The environment she created supported everyone's learning, practiced and developed productivity skills while establishing and maintaining positive relationships. I am grateful.
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