TISD Weekly SEL Connection -Week 8
Week 0f 09/18-09/22 - SUPPORT SYSTEMS
SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Building a strong support system is an essential component to getting one's needs met and living a happy and healthy life. A support system is a network of people who provide practical and emotional support. Having a strong support system is associated with many positive outcomes, including decreased anxiety and increased positive mood. In these lessons, students will learn about the benefits of having a support system as well as strategies to build and access help from the people in their support systems.
SEL Lesson Schedule & Times
Mon-Fri - PK-4th Grades - 7:45 - 8:15 am
Mon-Fri - 5th - 6th Grades - 8:00 - 8:46 am
Mondays & Fridays Only - 7th-8th Grades - 8:47-9:14 am
Mondays & Tuesdays - 9th - 12th Grade - 8:47-9:14 am
SUPPORT SYSTEMS SEL LESSON AND OBJECTIVE
Objective Students will learn how to ask others for help.
Objective Students will identify their support system within their families and ask for help.
Objective Students will identify the support system within their school and how to ask for help.
Objective Students will identify a support system that extends beyond the family when they need help or support.
Objective Students will identify when to ask an adult for help.
Objective Students will identify when to ask an adult for help.
Objective Students will identify a support system.
Objective Students will understand how to build a support system.
Objective Students will practice strategies to access a support system
Objective Students will access a support system for an emotional need.
Objective Students will practice strategies to learn from their support system.
Objective Students will learn how to give back in their support system.
Objective Students will access a support system to reach a goal.
ACADEMIC CONNECTIONS
Teachable moments arise throughout the school day as opportunities to introduce and practice skills to support students in their learning and overall wellness. A support system is the network of people and organizations that provide you with emotional and physical support. Having a strong support system is associated with positive mental wellness outcomes. Here are some ways to help students identify and access a support system to meet their emotional needs:
- Display the Emotions Wheel Student Resource to support students in building their emotional vocabulary to identify their emotions.
- Encourage students to access their support system by identifying who can help them meet their emotional needs and determining how to communicate their needs.
- Create a classroom environment that functions as a support system for students. Encourage students to ask for support from you and their fellow students and foster a willingness to provide support to others.
- Have students complete the Accessing My Support System Journal throughout the year as they continue to access their support system to meet their emotional needs.
- Help students identify school staff who can be part of their support system to help get their needs met.
- Model accessing your support system by asking for support when you need an emotional need met.
HOME CONNECTIONS LETTERS
HOME CONNECTIONS AVAILABLE ENGLISH AND SPANIS FOR PARENTS
Teachers don't forget to send the home connections newsletter to your parents on class dojo. This is an excellent way to communicate our parents what our SEL lesson topic is and strategies they can use at home.
STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY CIRCLES
PURPOSE
Community Circles are an integral part of creating a safe and caring classroom where all members of the class experience a sense of belonging and believe that their presence matters. Community Circles serve a range of purposes for a learning community, including building trust and connection, checking in on overall wellbeing, addressing conflict and harm, and practicing social skills.
In some classrooms, circle gatherings may be used for taking attendance, sharing the day’s schedule and announcements, or guiding a learning activity. While these activities are worthwhile, they are typically teacher-directed activities. To create a safe and caring classroom, Community Circles must provide a place where all members have an equal voice. During a Community Circle, the role of the teacher is the same as other members of the circle, to be an equal and active participant.
In addition, Community Circles can provide a restorative alternative to discipline when a member of the class has broken an agreement or caused harm. Rather than isolating a student through suspension, expulsion, or sending them out of the room, Community Circles use restorative practices to position harmful behavior as an opportunity for learning.
PRINCIPLES
- All circle members, including the teacher, see themselves as learners, take responsibility for their own learning, and take pride in their contribution to the learning of others.
- Community agreements set the expectations for the prosocial behavior necessary to engage in Community Circles.
- Social skills are taught explicitly to support students in building community.
- Diversity is celebrated as each member is welcomed and supported in their own journey toward understanding their unique abilities and areas for growth.
- Community Circles are a place to honor, practice, and support core values, including connection, trust, honesty, respect, confidentiality, and authenticity.
- Community Circles allow for contradiction, complexity, and nuance, recognizing that not all conversations end in agreement.
- Participants in Community Circles strive to ensure that every member feels seen, heard, understood and respected.
CREATE A SAFE AND CARING CLASSROOM
Setting students up for success is key to implementing Community Circles effectively. Creating a safe and caring classroom provides a space where all students feel valued and are willing to view mistakes as a process of learning, both academically and socially.
• Organize the room so that there is space for a circle or easy access for forming a circle.
• Make Community Circles a regular part of your classroom routine.
• Discuss the purpose and principles of Community Circles with students.
• Plan community building activities throughout the school year. • Include students in decision-making when appropriate.
• Ensure that all students have opportunities to be heard.
• Provide opportunities for students to share their experiences, values, and cultures.
• Connect academically and personally with each student daily.
• Use and encourage inclusive and strength-based language.
• Cultivate positive relationships with students and their families.
• Investigate your own cultural frame of reference. • Consider students age and cognitive development when setting behavioral expectations.
Classroom Management Trainings using RethinkED
This course provides training on factors that impact behavior, key components of creating positive learning environments, and strategies for effective classroom management.
Click: Program Tools
Click: My Trainings
Click: View Training -
Click: Behavior Training Series - Get Started
Left corner Select Managing Behavior
SEL Tornillo ISD Program contact person
Email: Moralesm@tisd.us
Website: www.tisd.us
Phone: 915-765-3454
Twitter: @MoralesA_tisd