“ We have been given an amazing opportunity to upskill students by teaching them how to be effective communicators , how to talk about their emotions and how to build healthy relationships .”
even financial planning . In the Work Experience Program , discussions on workers ’ rights resonate , bringing forward relationship skills and decision-making beyond the walls of the campus .
SEL is also an essential component to the Senior School Ivy Compass program , where it has a dedicated quadrant .
“ The North Quadrant is largely made up of that SEL work ,” explained Ms Huhn , Coordinator , Experiencial Learning ( Ivy Compass ), Senior School . “ We contribute to that by helping students discover passions through clubs , teams and wellness activities that we infuse into almost every Ivy Day .” These activities include wellness walks around campus , opportunities for reflection , journalling and more !
SEL THROUGH RESEARCH
Even when considering the future of teaching practices , SEL is present on campus . For example , Ms Spinney , Research Chair of Teaching and Learning and Teacher , Science , Senior School , explores assessment supports for students and how they impact test settings .
“ It ’ s with that anxiety piece , the idea that assessment doesn ’ t have to be something you ’ re afraid of ,” Ms Spinney said . “ Assessment can be very insightful , and we are trying to get students to see it as a useful tool .”
Her work ties back to self-awareness and self-management during an assessment , to relationship skills through effective communication with teachers , and advocating for individual academic needs .
In the next three to five years , Ms Eady and Ms Kimmel hope that SEL is fully integrated into the learning contexts at Crofton House . “ We wouldn ’ t expect students to learn how to do calculations in math without being taught the fundamental skills . The same applies to SEL ,” said Ms Kimmel . “ We have been given an amazing opportunity to upskill students by teaching them how to be effective communicators , how to talk about their emotions and how to build healthy relationships .”
So far , we are taking steps towards that goal — from the collaborative teaching opportunities between Ms Eady and the Junior School teachers , to SEL in Advisory and Ivy Days in the Senior School and to every classroom opportunity in between .
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