According to the NJ department of education social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process by which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to do the following: understand and manage emotions; set and achieve positive goals; feel and show empathy for others; and make responsible decisions. Successful infusion of SEL can result in positive behaviors, increased academic success, and caring communities.

This year we will be focusing on the first tenant of self- awareness which is identifying your own emotions. In grades 2 and 3 we will be using the book In My Heart to describe and identify specific emotions. The students will then identify times/experiences when they felt specific emotions. We will finish by having the students practice and write "I feel" statements.

In grades 4 and 5 we will be brainstorming a list of emotions that move beyond the basics that children often use. We will then present the students with several scenarios so that they can identify how they would feel if presented with it. This will start conversations about each individuals response to life experiences. Each student will then create their own emoji to be displayed on a feelings board.