Support for Parents
Being a parent is difficult. Getting them fed, dressed and ready for school in the morning is a gigantic task, much less trying to understand everything else your child faces in the world. Let us be a resources and a new community to share ideas with other parents and caregivers. How can we tackle the challenges our children face everyday? Together.
SEL for Parents” Video from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
An informative video by CASEL and Chicago Public Schools for parents on social and emotional learning(SEL). The video aims to inform parents on SEL in school and provide them with insights on SEL in their own parenting practices in order to support their children’s social and emotional know-how.
Online Resources Bolster SEL Toolkits for Teachers & Parents
Teachers and parents have worked diligently to provide online resources for students during the past few months as learning has transitioned to a remote format in school districts across the country. Whether delivered in an in-person format or an online format, finding worthwhile curricular resources is an essential step in providing each student with a high-quality education. THE Journal, a publication focused on educational technology and student learning, has compiled a list of 28 resources for teachers to consider when developing lessons on social-emotional learning (SEL) concepts as well their own professional development. In addition, some of THE Journal’s content is geared toward parents, such as the “George Dragon’s” guide for parents to behavior management in children.
Among the highlights:
Aperture Education’s “Educator Guide to Optimistic Thinking,” which helps teachers evaluate the extent to which they employing positive, optimistic thinking in their lives and careers. Read more here.
George Dragon’s “Good Puppy” workbook for managing behavior in children ages 3-9. Although it might appear that the site charges a fee for the printable workbook, it is in fact free. After clicking “Add to Cart,” clicking “Check Out,” and entering your name, e-mail address, and phone number, you’ll be able to download the PDF book without entering any payment information. Read more here.
“Humane Heroes and Their Stories” from American Humane and the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, encourages the humane treatment of animals through stories with an SEL focus. Find out more here.
Short, animated videos from SiLAS Solutions (directed to an elementary-age viewers) regarding COVID-19, mask wearing, social distancing, and related issues. Check it out here.
To view the full collection of resources, please visit it here.
Tips for Teachers to Support Students Amid Pandemic
Teachers, students, and families have experienced unprecedented challenges in the era of COVID-19, including the disruption of normal routines at home, in the community, and in school. The American Psychological Association (APA) has created a list of eight tips for teachers to continue supporting their students from a social-emotional learning (SEL) perspective during this difficult time, regardless of whether instruction is taking place in an in-person setting or via an online format.
As the APA observes, “students may respond to the crises that they have experienced by showing abrupt changes in personal hygiene, sleep routines, weight, school performance, mood, disruptive behavior, and/or participation in activities.” Since teachers and other school staff are among the adults closest to students during the school day, they are well-positioned to be advocates for their students.
Many of the tips focus on the value of checking in with families through proactive outreach; empathetic listening; opportunities to share feelings; and a commitment to maintain normal routines to the extent possible. To view the full list of recommendations, the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe invites you to visit the APA’s Web site.
Are you worried about your child and need to find the right help? Here’s a list we’ve gathered. Hopefully you will find the guidance your family needs.
What Is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)? Video from (CASEL)
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
MWAH!: Committed to meeting the needs of young people
A key concept in this effort is a ‘three-point shot’
Awareness of a problem,
Seeking help for it,
And then getting whatever help is needed.
This collaborative process may include social media videos as well as issues-oriented school presentations highlighting the helping process in place at any given school.
Inspirational Quotes
Passiton.com offers an outstanding assortment of inspirational quotes on a wide variety of SEL-oriented themes, including determination, friendship, patience, compassion, bravery, character, and many other topics. The URL is: https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-quotes
Three SEL Resources to Bolster Your SEL Toolkit This School Year
The final quarter of the school year is an opportune time to consider how your school’s SEL strategy has functioned during the past year. MWAH! has compiled three resource for your consideration as you look for additional resources this school year.
In this 10-minute video, developed by troupe alumni Rob Delgado and Alex Oechsel, MWAH! highlights its transition into the digital age in order to spread its message of Changing Lives and Saving Lives. In the video, you’ll hear troupe alumni describe how the troupe has changed their lives for the better, and you’ll hear more about MWAH!’s plans for the future.
Mental Health Resources
An Online Directory for Students, Parents, and Educators
Finding the right resources for those who need mental health treatment can make all the difference. The Recovery Village, a treatment center in Columbus, Ohio, has compiled a superb guide of resources for those who are battling depression and mental health issues in general. The guide contains sections specific to men, women, children and youth, and military veterans. The URL is: https://www.columbusrecoverycenter.com/depression-resource-guide/
On a related note, the Web site suicidepreventionlifeline.org has wishes remind the public of the following information:
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
More information is available online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/