Norms vs. Rules NORMS We will talk nicely to one another. We will treat one another with respect. We will include one another. We will help one another. We will solve problems fairly. RULES Always walk in the classroom. One person speaks at a time. Use indoor voices when in the classroom.

2 Promoting empathy and compassion - strategies Explicitly teach SEL Skills and infuse into curriculum

How can we integrate SEL with academic learning? In literature, bring attention to the social and emotional skills of characters. In history, discuss the social and emotional skills that helped people achieve great things. In math, encourage student to communicate clearly about how they solved a problem, then listen carefully to how others solved it. In the arts, so many possibilities!

"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness, and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." -Emma Goldman Be aware of children’s capacity for sympathy and empathy

Show you care Demonstrate caring to others Acknowledge your mistakes with your children (e.g., say “I am sorry”). Show forgiveness to others and your child. Note that children will learn more from your actions than from your words. Talk about the good feelings that come from helping others. Talk about times that you help others.

Methods to Encourage Development of Children’s Empathy (Schulman & Mekler, 1985)  Draw the child's attention to people's feelings. Ask the child to imagine how he or she would feel in the other person's place.  Let the child know what the impact of his or her actions is on the feelings of others, including yourself.  Explain why people feel the way they do.  Make clear (or encourage the child to discover) what actions he or she can take that would be more considerate to the feelings of others.

Enhancing Emotional Literacy…  Direct Teaching  Indirect Teaching  Use of Songs and Games  How would you feel if…?  Checking In  Use of Children’s Literature

Direct Teaching of Feeling Vocabulary 8

Provide emotional labels as children experience various affective states Indirect Teaching

On Monday When it Rained Glad Monster Sad Monster Have You Filled A Bucket Today? Book Examples…