Monthly MorSEL
We can all use a little more SEL Volume 3
One of the most important things for our own happiness is the act of giving, joy, happiness and compassion to others. The holidays are about giving and selflessness.
Giving makes both the giver and the receiver happy. Acts of kindness reduce depression, headaches, and give you a daily boost to your mood. Health benefits associated with giving can include: lower blood pressure, increased self-esteem, less depression, lower stress levels, a longer life, greater happiness and satisfaction.
Consider giving to those that are not so fortunate and could use a helping hand.
Giving your time to others gives the same “feel good” dopamine boost as eating a chocolate bar. The feeling will actually make you want to give and do more. Some ideas may include:
- Volunteer to help at a local food bank and serve others.
- Donate to a charity in a friend's name.
- USPS Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt these letters and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place. Most letters ask for toys and games. Some ask for necessities. Some ask for help for themselves and their loved ones.
- Donate toys to give to those in need. Every child deserves a gift this holiday season and Toys for Tots strives to make that possible.
- Consider being a layaway angel. Click here.
The mere act of giving fills a person’s life with joy and your own happiness multiplies.
Teaching English Learners through the Arts (TELA)
A Gift from CDE - CDOL's Newest Project!
This new grant project is called the Promising Learners Project and our mission is to support school districts in Creating Positive Learning Experiences Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support Using Social-Emotional Learning and the Arts! The grant is awarded through the California Department of Education through the Learning Communities for School Success Program (LCSSP).
The Promising Learners Project's uniqueness is its ability to provide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Arts Integration strategies that will lead students to achieve a greater depth of knowledge and a guided environment with a low affective filter and a personalized appeal to art.
This project presents teachers with the opportunity to create engaging environments and learning experiences to provide children's ability to achieve academic and social success with a focus on foster youth in TK to third grade.
Please enjoy the informative screencast below.
Here is a GIFT for you: Our TEAL Highlight Video
Join us on our TEAL-SEL journey
TEAL-SEL Project Application
Thank you to all our TEAL districts for your interest in the TEAL-SEL Project. WELCOME to all new districts, charters, and private schools. Apply Now if you are interested in joining TEAL this coming year.
*Please note that you will need to receive confirmation from the Project Director, Dotti Ysais, before you are officially accepted to participate in TEAL-SEL 2020-21.
Virtual professional development dates and times will be announced at a later date.
If you have any questions, please contact us at cdolhelp@gmail.com.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Planting "Seeds"
Seeds of Kindness
Seeds of Kindness
February 5, 2021 | 10:00 - 11:00 A.M.
The Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival is an annual inclusive event celebrating the artistic achievements of students of all abilities. The festival features student and professional performances, visual and performing arts workshops, and a student art exhibit created around the theme. This year's theme is "Seeds of Kindness" and highlights the Arts and empathy. It is presented in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Very Special Arts Festival is free and open to all grade levels.
Give Yourself a Gift - Reclaiming Resilience
Contributed by ~ Being Well@LACOE
This is a challenging time for everyone. Mental health is important. Many of us are trying to work, home school, parent, and keep households running. We are all experiencing a new level of multitasking. So many of us are Type-A. We are perfectionists who are really hard on ourselves. Burnout can be the end result of trying to be everything to everyone.
Self-Management is one of the SEL competencies. Practice Self-Management and reconsider your expectations to combat quarantine fatigue:
Take a break to gain perspective. Sometimes the best way to be productive is to take the time to rest. Though it seems counterintuitive, taking a break is one of the best ways to make progress. Research shows breaks are essential to improving our moods, overall well-being, and performance capacity.
Remember to cut yourself some slack. Establish boundaries by saying no to those non-urgent and unimportant tasks. Take back your calendar to manage your time, treating it like the valuable and precious commodity it is.
Build your life recognizing your strengths as well as your weaknesses and know when to ask for help. If you need to hire a maid or a tutor to help with the homeschooling, put an ad in your local paper or reach out on your social media, maybe a friend knows someone who can help. A few hours of help a week will make all the difference.
Do what matters in times of stress. Focus on the most important task. Tomorrow is another day.
We can only do what we can do. There are going to be some great days, and some ‘we could have done better’ days. That’s ok.
Take time to renew your hope and optimism – Johny Nash sings it best! Click here to listen!
SEL as a Foundation
According to CASEL, social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Center for Distance and Online Learning
Email: reily_marcia@lacoe.edu
Website: https://cdol.lacoe.edu/
Location: 9300 Imperial Hwy, Downey, CA 90242, USA
Phone: 562-922-6536
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lacoecdol
Twitter: @lacoecdol