Teaching Social-Emotional Learning Skills

When you walk into any of our schools, you'll hear teachers greeting students as they arrive for the day. You'll see students raising their hands to talk, listening carefully to a teacher's instructions, and working with peers. All of these practices are social-emotional skills. 

In School District 197, SEL helps students understand and manage their feelings, get along with others, and make good choices. According to Sara Lein, Director of Special Services, SEL is ingrained in everything we do. "It's how we present information in the classroom, how we allow students to think and work, and how we as adults work together to serve our students," she shared. "SEL is the base layer for teaching and learning."


SEL Skills at a Glance

  • Manage emotions and behaviors
  • Develop problem-solving skills
  • Recognize and regulate emotions
  • Show care and concern for others
  • Work cooperatively with others
  • Maintain supportive relationships
  • Make responsible decisions
  • Set goals and a plan for success

How Social-Emotional Skills are Taught

While SEL is taught and practiced at all our schools, the most direct and targeted SEL instruction happens at our elementary schools. At the elementary level, students develop their competence and confidence as learners, along with attitudes toward school, self, and peers. At our elementary schools, school counselors meet weekly with every class to cover topics like bullying, online safety, and emotional management. Students learn and practice these essential skills that support emotional health, build empathy for their peers, and contribute to a positive school culture so all students can thrive. 
 

What SEL Looks Like in the Classroom

Mendota Elementary Counselor Brianna Lennox is teaching a lesson on conflict resolution for kindergarten through second-grade students. Students are learning how to use "I feel" statements while gaining strategies for age-appropriate conflicts, such as sharing playground equipment. They practice "small problem" solving and learn to apologize and talk about their differences. Third and fourth-grade students are learning about the Zones of Regulation and the emotions that go with each Zone. “I have been teaching about different parts of our brains and how they respond to stress, and students seem to really be engaged,” shared Brianna.

Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School Counselor Steph Casmer says students are engaged and participate actively in her lessons. Students are excited to bring real-life examples and ask questions during each weekly visit with their school counselor. She also includes games and books in her weekly lessons. “Students really enjoy when I have games that they get to play to reinforce my lessons,” she shared. “Once I do the activity, they will ask if we can do it over and over again. In third and fourth grade, I bring in a few ‘escape room’ activities, which are also popular to complete.” 

For Sara Lein, SEL is about helping set kids up for success as they move on to middle and high school and become adults. “These skills are important in school, but they’re also important outside of school. Kids can apply these skills while on sports teams, on the school bus, in their community, and as they grow into adults in society.”