SEL and RP
Classroom activities that encourage students' social and emotional learning and promote restorative practices
Students consider their own identities and hear the voices of transgender people discussing their different identities, as well as challenges they face.
Students learn the definition of "transgender," discuss the controversy over ensuring safe access to bathrooms for transgender people, and consider ways they can be allies or upstanders for transgender students.
Sometimes students become aware only later, after reflection, that they could have handled a situation in a better way. Lay the groundwork for students to request a "do-over" so they can address a mistake or misunderstanding after the fact.
Students are often stumped when it comes to finding a resolution to a conflict beyond saying “I’m sorry.” To get over this hump, encourage students to take two additional steps: Ask creative questions to understand the other person’s needs, and make a written commitment to change.
Our country is roiling over whether we welcome the refugees and immigrants who arrive at our door. The following activity may help open up discussion of this sensitive issue in your classroom. It invites students’ empathy and understanding by helping them to connect their own family's story to the...
We've been doing circles at my school as a study skills course since the start of the year. It's been challenging when students act out, not respecting the talking piece. It impacts the rest of the group and their willingness to share. Do you have any suggestions of how to handle disruptive behavior...
"I Messages" are a great SEL tool for conveying our emotional needs. But sometimes they can be used to make accusations. We can prevent that from happening with this simple tweak in the I Message format.
Young people can be active allies to someone who is being targeted without directly engaging with the aggressor. Help students learn a safer, non-confrontational way to be an ally: the "Join Us Intervention."
In this activity students think about ways to be kind, and create a wall or bulletin board of art and writing to remind each other of the power of kindness and how everyday actions can make a difference in the world.
This activity aims to help students create a classroom and school community that is safe, welcoming and supportive, despite some turmoil in the outside world.