| By: Kim Gulbrandson Gratitude in the Classroom Gratitude can be contagious. But what does research have to say about it? And how can you bring more of it into your classroom?Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Enhancing Social and Emotional Learning through Art Need some inspiration to get creative with social and emotional learning in your classroom? It’s a great way to extend the learning and add some spark to your curriculum.Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Lighting the Fire for SEL You know those weeks that are so packed with exciting events, they leave you breathless at the end? Last week was one of those for us here at Committee for Children.Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Incorporating Social-Emotional Learning into Academics Here are some time-saving ideas for teaching both academic subjects and social skills in the same lesson!Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson District Data on the New Second Step Program for K-5 See how fourth- and fifth-grade students name “feeling” words before and after Second Step lessons.Read More
| By: Rachel Kamb Key Factors in Creating a Positive Classroom Climate I’ve been hearing a lot about “positive classroom climate.” What does this mean? Classroom climate refers to the prevailing mood, attitudes, standards, and tone that you and your students feel when they are in your classroom. A negative classroom climate can feel hostile, chaotic, and out of control. A positive classroom climate feels safe, respectful,…Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Social-Emotional Learning and Cultural Relevance Someone recently asked me whether the Second Step program is effective with all populations of students, and it’s not the first time this question has come up.Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson The Role of Support Staff in Implementing SEL I first thought about writing this blog because I would really like to know how support staff (guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, etc.) are involved with the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) throughout the nation. We are often so isolated working within our buildings that we don’t have the opportunity to learn about what others are doing to support programs such as Second Step and Steps to Respect.Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Fostering Problem Solving and Negotiation Part of teaching the Second Step program is providing students the language and vocabulary to use the prosocial skills they learn. Read More
| By: Kim Gulbrandson Fostering Prosocial Skills Through Music Music can be powerful in many ways. Humans are hard-wired to respond to music. The sound has an impact on our bodies.Read More