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One of the primary goals in education is to develop well-rounded citizens that can contribute efficiently and successfully in a community and so it is important that students are given the tools needed to understand their emotions and feelings. When you support children with social and emotional learning this not only clears the road for prosperous academic learning, but you are also supporting development of critical 21st century skills needed to ensure success in post-secondary and the workplace. By teaching essential social skills and meeting individual social and emotional needs, students will be given important tools to positively interact with peers and staff allowing them to focus on their academics, take ownership of their learning and feel more confident and in control. 

Early intervention, starting within the primary levels, is a key element of supporting and developing these social skills and will provide a strong foundation when these taught social skills are continued throughout the student’s school career.

This is a fun and engaging multi-day class that will develop emotional literacy, self-control and social competence using CASEL'S social and emotional learning framework. Each week we which will focus on a particular area of key interpersonal skills, building upon the themes as we continue throughout the unit. We will watch fun videos to further their understanding, have discussions, read stories, complete engaging activities and participate in fun games throughout! This social skill will be consistently reviewed and, as I open up more classes for older children, it will be built upon with more units to provide maximum opportunity for student growth and understanding. 

At the end of these lessons, students will show understanding of what is being taught by demonstrating successful interactions, feel more in control and will understand what it means to be respectful, problem solve conflict and self-regulate to a higher level using the tools provided in the units.  The lessons will also support students in showing respect not only to their social network, but toward themselves and the environment around them!  I will also be sending home activities that you and your child can do together that are based on the week's theme, transition skills and to help bridge the home/school connection.

Each lesson will follow the same routine and structure so that students know what to expect. Here's what we will be doing each week! Please note that there will be flexibility in the classes to go back and provide extra review if the class needs it. 
Please note, students will never be asked to share personal experiences and discussion and activity a will be kept to broad, 3rd party level, for instance "What can people do when they are frustrated". 

                                                    UNIT 1- SELF MANAGEMENT
Week 1: SELF REGULATION AND CALMING STRATEGIES
Objective: Recognize personal cues and triggers. Identify and use self-regulation and calming strategies when necessary
Vocabulary: Cue, Trigger, Self-Regulation, calm, sensation, feelings, emotions 

LESSON COMPONENTS 
   Story:   The way I feel
                 My Heart

Community building activity:  Relaxation activity 

Discussion Starters and Challenges: 
 Questions in relation to the week's theme eg, "When people are upset about something, how can they handle it? 
Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet!) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
 Introduce our engines! Engines can run high low or just right depending on the situation. Discussion of what it means and things to do when they are like that.                                       

Anchor Chart/Brainstorming:
                                 Emotional Cues and Triggers. The kids will write possible triggers from the video/book and cut out/glue self- 
                                 coping strategies with the materials I have sent home.
                                    

Activities/Crafts:
                     Sensory Glitter Bottle
                     Stress Ball
 
Calm Down Kit:
                           Based off of what we have learned this week, each kid will put together their own 'Calm Down Kit' where 
                           they can store in a preferred place and use as necessary. 

Reflection:    Students will review concepts this week and show understanding through drawing or writing. Option to Share but not 
                        necessary!

Week 2: HANDLING STRESS
Objective: Identify what stress is (Positive and Negative Types) and their impact. Create and implement a plan to handle stress
Vocabulary: Stress, Stressors, Brain and parts involved, Fight/Flight/Freeze Response, Stress Management

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:  Stress Can Really Get On Your Nerves! Elizabeth Verdick and Trevor Romain
            I Can Handle It! Laurie White

Building Activity: Relaxation activity. 

Discussion Starters:  What is stress? Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What are different ways people 
                                    can handle stress?" 
                                     Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened. 
       
Discussion/Anchor Chart: Students will listen to calm music and color in a drawing with a calming quote on it. Whole Group anchor chart. Kids will decide where to place each card with a scenario on it. Cues and Triggers- Template

Games/Activities:  Stress Buster Card Game
                                  Mantra Posters

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Sharing is optional!

Week 3: MINDFULNESS 
Objective: Understand what mindfulness is and ways to be mindful. Use mindful strategies daily
 Vocabulary: Mindful, Mindfulness, Focused Attention, Stress, Breathing, Yoga, Calm
LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   What Does It Mean To Be Present-Rani Deorio
              The Three Questions- John Muth

Building Activity:  Imagination Activity

Discussion Starters:  Based off of this week's theme eg " How do you feel when you take deep breaths?"
                                     Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened. 

Discussion/Anchor Chart: When we are Mindful....., Mindfulness is needed when....., Some Mindful Strategies are....
                                  Video:Kids Explain Mindfulness 
                                   Write and draw someone doing something mindful based off of the video using the "I am Mindful" Template. 
                              Share-Optional!

Games/ Activities: Mindful Me Activity
                                  Mindful Bingo
                                  Breathing and Yoga Strategies

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 4: IMPULSE CONTROL
Objective: Understand what impulses are and Identify why it's important to have self-control and strive to control their own impulses
 Vocabulary: Self-Control, Impulses, Impulse Control
LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   What If Everybody Did That? Ellen Javernick
              What Were You Thinking? Brian Smith

Building Activity:  Self Control Marshmallow Test! (Please let me know any dietary needs)
                                
Discussion Starters:  
                             Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What is something people can find 
                              difficult to control?"                             
                               Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened. 

Discussion/Anchor Chart: 
                                              Book "What Were You Thinking" Discuss Braden's actions. Discuss the 4 Steps to Impulse 
                                              control laid out in the book. Role Play. 
                                              Book: "What if Everybody Did That?" Create comics with different outcomes.

Game/Activity: "Choose Your Action" board game. 
                             Kite Craftivity!

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!
                                                  
Week 5: PERSONAL SAFETY
Objective: Understand what personal safety means and identify ways in which to keep oneself safe
 Vocabulary: Personal Safety, Unsafe, Choice, Assertive, Network, Secret
LESSON COMPONENT
Story:   No Means No
              Be Aware

Building Activity:  'Name the Rules' game. Talk about the personal and social rules that help us.
                                
Discussion Starters: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg  "What does it mean to be 
                      safe and what does it look like?" 
                       Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     
  Anchor Chart and Discussion: Chart separated into 3 parts- Home, School, Community. Brainstorm examples of when they might 
                                                   be presented with unsafe choices/events. Practice saying No. 
                                                    Safety Role Playing

 Game/Activity: "What Should You Do?"

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

REVIEW

Week 6: Review of all content learned so far
                Optional Questionnaires Sent Home (these will not be shared)
                                                   
                                                  UNIT 2- GROWTH MINDSET 


Week 7: GROWTH VS FIXED MINDSET
Objective: Understand what a fixed and growth mindset is and identify ways to change their mindset. Promote and encourage growth mindset through discussion and activities. 
 Vocabulary: Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   The Most Magnificent Thing-Ashley Spires
             The Dot- Peter Reynolds

Building Activity:  Things I am Good at!

 Discussion: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What is Growth Mindset and why is it important?"         
                                    Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     
  Discussion:  Videos- Fixed and Growth Mindset
                                     Growth Mindset  
                                      
 Game/Activity: "What's the Mindset" Game
                               "Fill it up" Activity

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 8: THE BRAIN
Objective: Identify what the different parts of the brain are, what they can do and understand that the brain can grow and change.
 Vocabulary: Brain, Elastic, Change, Grow, Challenge, Train, Stretch, Neuron, Pathways, Neuroplasticity 
LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   Your Fantastic Elastic Brain-JoAnn Deak

Building Activity:  Post a single word on posters e.g. Mistakes, effort, dedication. Ask students to write down what comes to mind 
                        on each poster. Share and Discuss

 Discussion: Questions based on this week's theme eg. "Are easy tasks or hard tasks better? Why?" 
                         Marvin the Classroom Dragon will act out scenarios and the class will process. 
                                     
  Anchor Chart and Brain Craftivity:  Use posters, videos and read books to discuss the parts of our brain and what it can do. Share 
                                                  ideas and thoughts on 3D chart!
                         
  Game/Activity: "My Brain Bag" Letter
                              "Brain Hat" Activity

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

WEEK 9: MISTAKES AND CHALLENGES
Objective: Identify and describe how mistakes and challenges are positive and help us learn new things 
 Vocabulary: Mindset, Mistakes, Challenges

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   The Book of Mistakes-Corinna Luyken

Building Activity:  Kids will repeat the phrase "A brain can" and they will individually finish the sentence using ideas from the previous week. 

 Discussion: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What can someone say to a friend who is frustrated?"         
                                    Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     
  Discussion:  Videos- You Can Learn Anything
                                        Growth Mindset Kids
                                          Failures are the Pillars of Success
                          Anchor Chart and Writing
                                      
 Game/Activity: Drawing Activity
                            Meaningful Mistakes Foldable
                            Talking/Thinking Bubbles
                             Class Certificates!

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 10- S.M.A.R.T GOAL SETTING
Objective: Describe what a SMART goal is and it's importance. 
 Vocabulary: Goal Setting, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   The Day You Begin!Jacqueline Woodson

Building Activity:  Dance Along to "Goals" song!

 Discussion: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What is a challenge?"         
                                    Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     
  Discussion/Brain storm/Anchor Chart: Discuss what a SMART Goal is. Pick a goal as a class and work together to fill out the plan 
                        sheet to make this goal SMART.
                        
 Game/Activity: Garden of Goals!

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!   Write down a Goal this week to share for next Week. 

Week 11: REVIEW- All Units
                Optional Questionnaires Sent Home (These will not be shared)

                                                                        UNIT 3- RELATIONSHIPS

Week 12: COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Objective: Understand the importance of effective communication skills in building relationships. Practice skills. 
 Vocabulary: Communication, Listening, Verbal, Non-Verbal, Written Communication, Body Language

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   A Friend for Henry-Jenn Bailey

Building Activity:  The Compliment and Introduction Game. Modeling first from me, I will introduce myself, give a compliment and 
                             ask a question. The other person responds and does the same to the next person. 

 Discussion: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What does it mean to think but not say? Why is this 
                           important?"         
                         Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                           Videos- Playlist on Communicating. Role Play to show effective communication and how body language, tone and 
                             facial expression can change the words we are saying. 
                             
  Game/Activity: Think Before You Speak- Board Game

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 13: WHAT IS A FRIEND?
Objective: Describe What a Friend is and the Qualities they Possess.  Identify the ways in which both you and them can be a good 
                 friend. 
 Vocabulary: Friend, Friendships, Traits, 

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   Kindness Snippets Jar- Dianne Alber
              Nice Shoes! Dennis Gillan

Building Activity:  The Compliments Game!

 Discussion: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "Can we get by without friends?Why or Why not?"         
                                    Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     Videos- Kids talk about friends
                                                      Friendship
                             Discuss Ways in which people can be a good friend and add to the Anchor Chart. 
                             Healthy Vs Unhealthy Friendships- Role Play
                           
 Game/Activity: Friendship Bingo
                             Friendship Mantra Banner

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 14: MAKING AND KEEPING FRIENDS
Objective: Describe specific Behaviors and Strategies that they can use to help them make friends and how to keep them. Discuss problems that can occur in friendships and how to problem solve them.  
 Vocabulary: Friend, Friendships, Enemy, Gossip, Over-reacting, Problem-solve, Ignoring

LESSON COMPONENTS
Story:   Enemy Pie- Derek Munson

Building Activity:  Friend Scavenger Hunt!

 Discussion/Writing: Questions to whole group based off of this week's theme eg "What problems can happen in a friendship?"         
                                    Marvin the Dragon (classroom puppet) will act out scenarios and then we will process what happened.
                                     Video: Kid President's Guide to Making a New Friend
                                      Friendship Recipe 

                                      
 Game/Activity: Friends Wanted-Ad and Bulletin Board
                             

Reflection Journal: Reflect on the lessons through writing and pictures. Optional to share!

Week 15: REVIEW unit content
                 Optional Questionnaires Sent Home (these will not be shared!)

                                         Be sure to sign up to my next Social and Emotional learning Units starting in July!!