Emotion Regulation Supports for Teachers and Students
May is Mental Health Awareness Month which includes a focus on our well-being. This highlights the importance of recognizing our internal and external stressors and to use tools to manage those stressors. For teachers and students, one of those stressors is often testing! At Harmony Academy, we provide resources to equip students to recognize their emotions, decelerate their levels of stress, and accelerate their confidence to perform the best they can. Here are some quick and easy tips and techniques from the Harmony Curriculum that students (and those who support them) can infuse into the classroom:
Our Mindful Minute provides quick activities to center ourselves and regulate our emotions when our emotions may be big or small. Helpful Mindful Minute activities include:
• Breathe in and then blow your breath out slowly, imagining the shape of an ice sculpture that your breath is creating in the air.
• Look around the room carefully. Notice something you normally wouldn’t pay attention to, like the edge of a shelf or a single crayon. Look at it carefully. Think about what you notice. Now pick something else. Repeat two more times.
• Think of your “happy place.” Imagine that you have suddenly been transported there. What do you see? What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? What do you taste?
Having the opportunity to connect with our buddies can help us destress and ready ourselves for the next activities. Quick conversations and collaborations might include:
• Conversations— “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst”-William Penn. What is a strategy that can help you use your time wisely?
• Collaborations— Put a puzzle together with your buddy.
Remind students of the emotion regulation lessons that help them cool off and direct their emotions when they experience big emotions. Helpful lessons might include:
• It’s Time to Cool Off (U1 L 4)—students apply some cooling off strategies to different situations.
• Having a Growth Mindset (U1 L5)—students explore the difference between having a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset.
Evidence on Harmony Third Edition: Educator Implementation of the Harmony Curriculum
Recognizing the need to ensure the impact of the Harmony program is sustained, amplified, and reaches millions more students, Harmony refreshed its program with expanded content and improvements to the user experience—Harmony Third Edition. The Third Edition provides educators (teachers, counselors, and out-of-school instructors) a set of refreshed, familiar resources (Everyday Practices and Units, Lessons, and Activities) to ensure students have an integrated, relevant, and comprehensive social and emotional learning (SEL) experience. With a range of refinements and updates that reflect the latest research on SEL practices along with suggestions from users, the program refresh includes SEL concepts and instructional models designed to improve the effectiveness and enhance the relevance of Harmony for all students (Yoder, 2022).
As part of the Harmony Third Edition development process, Harmony partnered with four districts—two midsize districts in the Midwest, one midsize district in the South, and one midsize district in the Southwest—to receive early access to the refreshed Everyday Practices (Meet Up and Buddy Up) and to Units 3 and 4 of the Units, Lessons, & Activities and Storybooks. Educators received two district-specific trainings—January 2022 focused on the refreshed Everyday Practices, and February/March 2022 focused on the Lessons & Activities. Educators had opportunities across five months (January through May 2022) to pilot Harmony Third Edition.
Most participating educators across the four districts offered feedback on their experience with Third Edition through surveys (n=61) and focus groups (n=51) in April and June 2022; and 34 educators participated in classroom observations (in-person or video) in April and May 2022 to help Harmony understand how educators implemented Harmony Third Edition—providing Harmony a robust set of data to create the Case Study Report.
Through the surveys, focus groups, and observations, the Harmony team were able to revise the program in real time. Further, the team were also able to determine key recommendations for educators and administrators on how to use the program materials.
1. Prioritize students’ social and emotional development and well-being. Educators and students need time to be able to build relationships, get to know one another, and apply their social and emotional competencies (SECs). Students benefit when they get opportunities to connect and have Harmony be a part of their routine. A third-grade teacher explained that prior to using Harmony Third Edition, her students “. . . really struggled with group work, talking to others, communicating, and controlling their own feelings.”
2. Become familiar with the program. As educators engage more deeply with Harmony and the overarching goals and principles, they are more likely to understand the active ingredients, understand the knowledge and skills that students learn during the program, help students participate in a more well-rounded Harmony experience, and improve student outcomes.
3. Find time to embed Harmony principles with academics. Students benefit when they can use Harmony materials or concepts within academic instruction; for example, using Storybooks and Z for vocabulary instruction, using Buddy Up partners during instructional tasks, and using Harmony Lessons prior to academic tasks (e.g., problem solving).
4. Make certain to implement the core pieces of Meet Up. Meet Up includes a specific process to ensure all students are seen and heard, solve problems in classrooms, and get ready to participate in the next activity. To get through each piece, it is important to ensure each student’s name is said during the greeting, and that a small number of students share per day so other students can respond and ask questions regarding their share. Doing so will provide opportunities for students to solve problems or talk about achievements related to Harmony Goals. For example, a pre-kindergarten teacher relied on Meet Up to model interpersonal communication skills with her students. She explained, “They love sharing with everyone and they like to talk about themselves. So, we’re trying to get them to ask questions about what they’re [all] sharing about.”
5. Let students know the importance of Buddy Up. As educators engage in the Buddy Up process, they need to help students process why they engage in these conversations and activities, including reinforcing SECs they use throughout the process. A third-grade teacher shared, “[Buddy Up] builds your classroom community and just helps other kids be more social and kind of get out of their own little box.”
6. Make sure to use the Facilitate the Activity section of Lessons and Activities. The Facilitate the Activity section was written in a way that educators and students would not have to engage in the other two pieces if they do not have the time to do the full Lesson. The Set the Stage section is intended to build and connect to student background knowledge, and the Review and Reflect section is to help students transfer the SECs to other aspects of their lives. Thus, they are important pieces to engage in with students, but these portions are adaptable.
For these recommendations and more, please refer to our multi-chapter case study linked earlier in this blog.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: SEL and the Path to Lifelong Learning
We live in an information age where new knowledge and technologies are emerging rapidly and creating jobs of the future that we do not even know exist yet, and the ability to adapt, learn, and grow is more important than ever. To thrive in such an environment, cultivating a growth mindset is essential. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is pivotal in fostering this mindset. Harmony Academy, backed by National University’s Whole Human Education, proudly offers a holistic approach to help individuals embark on lifelong learning.
What does a growth mindset entail?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence, such as social and emotional intelligence, can be developed through learning opportunities. Embracing a growth mindset encourages resilience, a love for learning, and a willingness to embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth.
How does having a growth mindset and social and emotional learning connect to the Whole You?
As a leader in social and emotional learning, National University offers resources and programs to enhance student learning outcomes and increase educator impact in the classroom and beyond.
Focusing on the Whole Human, National University takes a holistic approach to student well-being through a supportive ecosystem that measures financial, social, and emotional success as well as through family, community, and career.
National University’s College of Education has developed an interactive, engaging, and innovative professional development website that houses digital playbooks and other resources focusing on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for teachers. Each playbook features in-action scenarios, steps for classroom implementation of SEL, guided reflections, and a place to share ideas and best practices.
Mastering new knowledge and skills takes time and is part of the learning journey. It is important to keep a growth mindset while learning how to integrate core social and emotional competencies in all that you do. It is worth the investment as it ultimately supports the Whole You!
Social and emotional learning is an educational framework that develops self-awareness and interpersonal skills. Through this process, SEL can provide individuals with opportunities to build resilience and the emotional regulation skills to bounce back and persevere. A growth mindset acknowledges that mistakes and failure are essential parts of learning, and SEL provides the emotional tools and relationship-building strategies to navigate these setbacks constructively.
Harmony’s Every Practices, such as Buddy Up and Quick Connection Cards, and their units specifically curated for grades Pre-K – 6th including Being My Best Self and Communicating with Each Other encourage collaboration, teamwork, and empathy. These interpersonal skills are essential for embracing a growth mindset, as learning involves seeking help from others, sharing knowledge, and understanding different perspectives.
How does Harmony offer a comprehensive approach to cultivating a growth mindset through SEL?
Harmony approaches this mission through:
Curriculum Integration: Harmony integrates social and emotional curriculum principles into daily classroom teachings, ensuring that social and emotional learning is intertwined with academic learning. This approach helps students see the connection between life skills and academic and personal growth.
Teacher Training: Harmony provides professional development and training for educators to implement SEL practices in the classroom effectively. Teachers play a pivotal role in modeling and fostering a growth mindset in their students.
Real-World Application: SEL is not limited to the classroom. Harmony Curriculum encourages students to apply their social and emotional skills in real-world scenarios, essential for developing a growth mindset in practical situations.
How and where can I get started?
Explore Harmony Professional Learning: (previously Inspire Leading in Learning) our 88 on-demand learning modules are dedicated to fostering community, belonging, and supporting the Whole Educator™. These modules can also provide up to 9 free graduate credits for the National University’s Master of Arts in Education with a SEL emphasis. Explore this more here!
Register for An Upcoming Live Webinar: Our monthly hour-long webinars with thought leaders and Harmony partners help inform educators about social and emotional learning and provide practical strategies that can be used in schools and organizations worldwide.
Explore our YouTube Channel: Explore past webinars, summits, and Harmony How-Tos on our YouTube channel.
Book a Demo: Bring Harmony into your school with a demo with one of our professional learning specialists! Learn how to add it to your daily teaching or out-of-school time programs.
Are you looking for more information on this topic? Reach out to harmony@nu.edu, and we are ready to support your no-cost journey to social and emotional learning!
Recognizing Signs of Teacher Burnout: Taking Proactive Steps for Well-Being
Teaching is a noble and rewarding profession, but it can also be incredibly demanding. Oftentimes, wonderful teachers face common challenges that can lead to teacher burnout and, ultimately, stressful learning environments for all. As a leader in social and emotional learning (SEL), Harmony Academy powered by National University is dedicated to providing resources that improve educators’ and students’ lives through the classroom and beyond.
In this blog post, we will:
Define SEL.
Learn about Harmony Academy and how it can help improve teacher well-being and the Whole Educator.
Explore the signs of teacher burnout.
Discuss proactive steps teachers can take to prioritize their well-being.
What is SEL?
SEL, or social and emotional learning, is a teaching and learning process to develop and acquire the skills, knowledge, and beliefs (e.g., initiative-taking, communication, collaboration) all individuals need to be successful in school, work, and life.
What is Educator SEL?
Educator SEL is when educators engage in an intentional process to continue to nurture social and emotional competencies and capacities. Specifically, Educator SEL includes two core components: (1) competencies — processes educators take to nurture their social and emotional competencies (e.g., understanding and managing emotions, forming meaningful relationships, making helpful choices), and (2) capacities — the ability to translate knowledge of SEL to support student social and emotional development.
What does teacher well-being encompass?
Teacher well-being encompasses physical health, social, emotional, and psychological dimensions. It connects educators’ sense of purpose and fulfillment from their profession, ability to manage stress, and overall job satisfaction.
Why is Educator SEL so important?
“Through the Collaborating Districts Initiative (CDI), CASEL has learned that schools are more effective at teaching and reinforcing SEL for students when they also cultivate SEL competencies in adults.” (casel.org)
To promote educator well-being and avoid teacher burnout, it is critical to look out for the signs of teacher burnout, which can include the following:
Emotional Exhaustion: One of the primary signs of teacher burnout is emotional exhaustion. A clear indicator is when teachers feel drained, emotionally detached, or overwhelmed by their responsibilities.
Decreased Job Satisfaction: A sudden decline in job satisfaction can signify burnout. Teachers who once loved their profession may begin feeling disillusioned, disinterested, or even resentful toward their jobs.
Physical Symptoms: Burnout can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. It could be a sign of burnout if a teacher is constantly fatigued, experiencing regular headaches, or having trouble sleeping.
Reduced Professional Efficacy: Another common sign of burnout is decreased professional efficacy. Teachers may start to doubt their abilities, question the impact they’re making on their students, and feel a sense of hopelessness about their work.
Isolation and Withdrawal: Burnout can lead to a sense of isolation and withdrawal from colleagues and friends. If teachers avoid social interactions or feel disconnected from their support network, it’s a sign that something may be wrong.
How can school leaders promote educator well-being and prevent burnout?
Check in With Your Teachers. Are leaders supporting their teachers to set boundaries, practice mindfulness, and engage in fun activities outside of work? How do they encourage the work-life balance for their staff?
Offer Resources and Community. Be ready to share the resources the district offers for colleagues facing life challenges with access to professional help if needed. Consider offering fun staff activities that can instill a sense of community as well.
Refresh Professional Development Opportunities. Teachers can reignite their passion for teaching by pursuing professional development opportunities. Harmony Academy proudly offers no-cost online SEL professional learning courses, SEL webinars, and more at Harmony Professional Learning.
How can Harmony Curriculum help prevent teacher burnout?
Harmony Academy offers a free relationship-driven curriculum through SEL lesson plans, games designed to improve social and emotional skills, and fun ways for students to engage.
Provide Ready-to-use Materials for Your Staff to Readily Access.
Creating a strong sense of community is the first step to supporting teacher well-being campus-wide. Educators everywhere can take proactive steps to prioritize their well-being, ensuring they can continue inspiring and educating the next generation without compromising their health and happiness. Leaders can support their staff on their journeys to maintain their well-being and will continue to support the Harmony-filled school community we all know and love.
Does SEL Training Matter? 4 Teachers Give Their Opinion
Does SEL Training Matter? 4 Teachers Give Their Opinion
The demand for social emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom is growing—and so is the science behind it. Research has shown a positive connection between SEL programs and student success in academics, the school community, and life.
Training teachers to incorporate SEL into everyday teaching is crucial to maximizing its benefits in the classroom.
In this article, we will answer the questions:
What is SEL?
What is SEL Training?
Does SEL Training matter?
How can teachers get SEL Training?
We will also look deeper at the development of SEL skills, how they can help students feel safe and accepted, and stories of success from social and emotional learning programs.
What is SEL?
Social and emotional learning, or SEL, is a teaching and learning process to develop and acquire the skills, knowledge, and beliefs all individuals need to be successful in school, work, and life.
In their updated definition, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as “an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
What is SEL Training?
SEL training for teachers is designed to help students learn how to manage their emotions, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
SEL training aims to equip kids with the social and emotional skills they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives. This training can happen in schools, workplaces, and community organizations. It typically involves a combination of classroom instruction, social emotional lesson plans , group activities, and individual reflection. Some lessons even include role play!
Does SEL Training matter? We asked teachers’ opinions.
According to a report by John Hopkins University and Harmony SEL, Educators Across the Country Find Value in Harmony SEL, students who participated in Harmony experienced a variety of positive results from the SEL intervention, including:
Improvements in student academic achievement (i.e., increased writing and math performance)
Improvements in students’ relationships and feelings of inclusion
Improvements in development of friendships with peers from diverse groups
Improvements in connection to and engagement in school
Decreases in bullying and aggression
Furthermore, we surveyed users of Harmony to see how they felt about the platform, the SEL training, and how it fits into their classrooms, and here’s what they had to say:
“I started Harmony last school year, 2021-2022. I am a Special Education teacher and use it in a small group setting. I have had teachers and parents email me stating how much of a positive impact this program and SEL Training has had on their students.” – Harmony Online Portal User
“SEL is so important in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Harmony has been so helpful in creating the awareness and dialog needed to be successful in creating a solid class culture.” – Harmony Online Portal User
“I often assign modules in both Inspire and Harmony to my undergraduates who are future teachers. ALL are well received, and my students strongly understand the concepts explored. I also use them when I need a refresher or to build my skills in a specific area of SEL.” – Harmony Online Portal User
“I am more committed to a safer learning environment for the children. I can also better recognize the difference between young children who are struggling and a child who is suffering.” – Harmony Online Portal User
The sister product, Inspire SEL, offers on-demand courses and resources at no cost that provide SEL training for educators of all grades.
Social emotional learning teachers can further their professional development with certification programs and social emotional learning degrees, such as a Master of Education, from National University.
These online social emotional learning tools are available to homeschooling parents, too!
How can I get started with Harmony SEL or Inspire SEL?
If you need extra help getting acclimated, we have webinars and events that give you strategies to implement our program best. We can also send trainers to your school district to help administrators on board.
Smart Strategies For Safe Spaces: How Teachers Build Social and Emotional Learning Into Lesson Plans
“Safe spaces” have gotten a lot of attention as individuals and businesses have begun to recognize the importance of environments where everyone feels welcome and included.
This is especially true in school environments, where students often face challenges and life changes that can leave them feeling vulnerable.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a critical component of creating safe spaces, and it’s up to teachers to build it into their lesson plans. We are prepared to equip you with all you need to add SEL to your daily teachings.
In this article, we will:
Explore what Harmony SEL and Inspire SEL are and how they can help you create a safe space in your classroom.
Explore what a safe space is and why creating this environment in your classroom and school community is important.
Share strategies for building social and emotional learning into your lesson plans.
Learn how to incorporate Harmony SEL and Inspire SEL into your classroom activities.
Explore additional resources for SEL training for teachers.
What is Harmony SEL?
Harmony SEL, a part of National University, is an Online Learning Portal that equips Pre-K-6th grade teachers with everything they need to integrate SEL skills into the classroom, including training, lessons, activities, videos, stories, games, and songs. Inspire SEL, offers no-cost on-demand SEL training for teachers through courses and resources to build their SEL skillset.
Both Harmony SEL and Inspire SEL have online social emotional learning programs that can be implemented in your everyday teaching in as little as 10 minutes a day.
What is a safe space?
A safe space is where an individual or category of people can feel safe and will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.
Creating social emotional lesson plans that help foster a safe space in the classroom can be a beneficial and positive way to build your classroom community.
What are some strategies for building social and emotional learning into your lesson plans?
Several smart strategies for building social and emotional learning into your lesson plans exist. We’ve created a list of SEL activities and linked them to no-cost resources (such as SEL lessons) that you can access and begin using immediately:
Self-awareness is a great place to start. SEL begins with self-awareness, so begin by helping your students feel comfortable and capable of recognizing their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Encourage them to reflect on their experiences and how they affect their feelings and actions.
Harmony SEL Unit 1: Being My Best Self explores understanding how everyone has connected emotions, thoughts, and actions; strategies to use more helpful self-talk and a growth mindset; and how these skills promote positive group dynamics.
Use real-life scenarios and situations. By bringing real-life scenarios into your lessons, you can help your students develop social and emotional skills of empathy and understanding. This includes activities such as discussing current events, role-playing, or reading books that deal with difficult topics such as racism and bullying.
By exploring these topics in a safe and supportive environment, students can better understand themselves and others.
Inspire SEL Module: Teaching Students Empathy can help you understand what empathy is, why it’s essential to foster in the classroom, and what specific actions you can take to develop a more empathic environment.
Encourage positive communication. Teach your students how to communicate effectively and positively with their peers. Use Harmony SEL Unit 3: Communicating with Others to encourage watching and listening attentively to understand and respond, conversation skills, communicating in different settings, when and how to speak up, and communicating for collaboration.
Build a community. A sense of community is essential to creating a safe space. A good starting point is Creating Classroom Rules. Classroom rules can help establish a positive classroom environment by helping refine your ability to design effective rules in collaboration with students.
Encourage your students to collaborate on projects, share their experiences, and support one another. Building a community in your classroom can create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Use mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises or guided meditations can help students develop self-control and emotional regulation. It can be beneficial to take a mindful moment after transitions such as lunch, recess, or room changes. It can even be used with young children!
By adding these techniques to your lessons, you can help your students learn to manage their emotions healthily.
Use positive reinforcement. Celebrate your students’ successes and encourage positive behavior with praise and recognition. This can help reinforce positive behaviors and encourage your students to continue to grow and develop.
These SEL interventions and strategies can be used in the classroom, in Out-of-School Time Programs, and even with homeschooling parents.
How can I begin using Harmony or Inspire in the classroom?
Harmony SEL and Inspire SEL training and activities are offered at no-cost for teachers, administrators, educators, parents, and caregivers. You can create or log into your account today and get started!
NEW Out-of-School Time (OST) Third Edition Lessons Are Here!
“OST providers have many competing requirements to fulfill in their short time with students. That’s why I’m excited to share the new Harmony OST Edition. It builds the foundation yet remains flexible in its practices to create the ‘secret sauce’ to a healthy and happy environment for kids to grow and learn!” —Lauren Puzen, Chief of Strategy, Harmony SEL
We Are Thrilled to Announce Harmony SEL Third Edition Out-of-School Time Lessons Are Here!
Snuggle up with a cup of coffee — or herbal tea — and take some uninterrupted time to explore the Harmony portal and familiarize yourself with the content.
Communication is an essential part of healthy relationships. Without it, it’s difficult to learn and thrive in multiple environments. With the latest OST lessons in Harmony Third Edition, students can practice their communication skills in quick snapshots to help them thrive and form meaningful relationships. Topics include:
Whole-body listening
Conversation bloopers and boosters
Using conversation “dos”
Using words to tell a story
Since these lessons are short yet substantive, they’re perfect for any out-of-school staff member, volunteers, high schoolers, education-oriented college students, and experienced OST professionals.
OST Third Edition Highlights
In Harmony Third Edition, lessons are created for Out-of-School Time.
Designed to be used by Out-of-School Time professionals (i.e., coordinators, coaches, facilitators, volunteers, etc.).
Applicable to multiple age groups in one setting through grade banding for upper and lower grades.
Upper-grade and lower-grade lessons aligned to each Harmony unit.
Concepts are introduced in a bite-sized format.
Lessons open with one of three suggested Quick Connections: a Conversation Starter, Collaboration topic, or Community Builder.
Lessons follow a four-step process of Get Ready, Get Set, Go!, and Stop and Reflect.
OST Highlights for Providers:
In Harmony Third Edition, lessons are created for Out-of-School Time. Perks include:
Promotes healthy relationships and social wellness within out-of-school environments.
Supports the Unit Themes through highly engaging activities.
Offers device-friendly format (i.e., can be printed for use at the playground, cafeteria, or in other non-classroom facilities).
Requires little or no materials.
Allows for work in small or large groups with provider facilitation tips.
Out-of-School Time is the perfect place to foster healthy relationships. Lessons from the OST Third Edition give you all the benefits and connection to Harmony resources while honoring the uniqueness and flexibility of after-school.
We hope you enjoy what Third Edition has to offer and look forward to continuing the work of social and emotional learning in our schools and surrounding communities.
High School Teachers’ Favorite Online Social and Emotional Learning Activities
As a high school teacher, you know better than anyone that your students will let you know when they don’t find something interesting.
While younger kids may love social and emotional learning (SEL) activities, students in grades 9 through 12 might respond with, “we already know we know everything about relationships!” You may even be wondering if it’s worth the time to incorporate SEL activities for older kids.
If this sounds familiar, we have two good things to share with you:
There are proven benefits of learning social and emotional skills far beyond the school community and student success. Studies have shown that the benefits are long-term and global, showing increased well-being in individuals up to 18 years later.
Social and emotional lesson plans can be implemented into your day in as little as 5-10 minutes, some with little-to-no prep.
In this blog post, we will explore both of these further, as well as answer questions you may have, such as:
We will also share ways you can further explore SEL, your professional development, and how to be the best social and emotional learning teacher out there! Let’s dive in!
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
Social and emotional learning is a teaching and learning process to develop and acquire the skills, knowledge, and beliefs all individuals need to be successful in school, work, and life.
In their updated definition, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines SEL as “an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
What is Educator SEL?
Educators may engage in an intentional process to continually nurture SEL competencies and capacities. Specifically, Educator SEL includes two core components:
Competencies — processes educators take to nurture their social and emotional competencies (e.g., understanding and managing emotions, forming meaningful relationships, making helpful choices).
Capacities — the ability to translate knowledge of SEL to support student social and emotional development.
How does Inspire SEL work?
The Inspire program is built on two Inspirational Pathways:
Building Teaching Practices (modules that explore engagement strategies for high-quality classroom instruction).
Developing SEL Capacity (modules on how to build healthy relationships in supportive learning environments).
The modules within each program are structured to help you succeed. They:
Emphasize a unique aspect of teaching strategies and classroom management and include role-specific Implementation Resources.
Are organized by topic. For example, the Professional Practices Unit includes the “Supporting Students with ADHD” module.
(The on-demand modules) typically take 30-60 minutes to complete.
Include a research-based micro course, followed by an assessment.
Can earn you a certificate of completion which may be used for professional development hours or in some states, Continuing Education Units.
There are features throughout Inspire that help make the process easy and enjoyable, including:
Multiple Module Resources enhance and expand the learning experience in different professional settings.
The CARE model (it stands for “Care, Apply, Refine, and Elevate”) helps you incorporate modules depending on your learning environment:
After determining the Topics/Modules that best meet the group’s needs, everyone COMPLETES their assigned On-Demand Module(s), which could differ based on needs.
APPLY strategy from On-Demand Module(s) in the classroom.
REFINE application through peer observations and/or feedback from leaders.
ELEVATE teaching practice to inspire students. ELEVATE impact by sharing best practices with colleagues and becoming a teacher leader.
What online social and emotional learning activities do high school teachers love?
High school teachers like you use a variety of activities with their students to implement SEL lessons and SEL activities in their classrooms. Some of the favorite activities among teachers in higher grades are:
Greeting students. One basic (and often overlooked) SEL activity is simply greeting your students as they start their day! Encourage light conversation on a topic of their interest to show them you are interested, too. The Harmony SEL Quick Connection Cards are a fantastic way to incorporate this into the start of your day.
Reflective questions. Reflective questions can be used both personally and within the classroom to help reflect on important topics from Inspire. In the Inspire module, “Working Against Racial Bias” you are encouraged to develop a strong sociocultural consciousness. This understanding is gained by learning to ask reflective questions.
Choosing a quote for the day. Give each student an opportunity to choose a quote for the day or week in the classroom. Display it somewhere everyone can see it and reference it within your teaching.
Connect using literature. Find stories of individuals with stories from all different backgrounds in life, giving students the opportunity to connect with their struggles, challenges, and successes. Ask students to pick out books they feel a connection to, and share why!
Do you have questions about teaching SEL activities in high school?
We know you may have additional questions regarding SEL interventions and how they can become a part of your everyday classroom setting. We encourage you to attend an upcoming webinar focused on supporting professional development and implementation of SEL programs online and at no cost.
What if I want to take my SEL Training for Teachers to the next level?
As an affiliate of National University, we are pleased to connect you to higher education pathways as a way to continue to support your SEL learning. National University offers multiple social and emotional learning degrees and certification programs, including a master of education, to help you excel in your professional development.
