Social Emotional Learning
Social Emotional Learning at Van Arsdale
At Van Arsdale Elementary, we use the following programs and practices schoolwide to support SEL:
- Second Step
- Restorative Practices
Second Step
Second Step is taught (weekly) in every classroom. The lessons provide instruction in social and emotional learning with units on skills for learning, empathy, emotion management, friendship skills, and problem solving.
Second Step uses four key strategies to reinforce skill development: brain builder games, weekly theme activities, reinforcing activities, and home links. These links offer you an overview of the lessons being covered in your child's class as well as tips and practice opportunities for you to use at home.
Restorative Practices
Van Arsdale will be using Restorative Practices and Proactive Circles throughout the school year.
Quick overview of restorative practice
- What is Restorative Practice?
Restorative Practices is a term used to describe a relationship-oriented approach (rather than a punishment-oriented one) to resolving issues that arise in school. The five Rs of Restorative Practice are relationship, respect, responsibility, repair, and reintegration.
- Proactive Circles – happen weekly in the classroom for the purpose of connection and belonging (usually a question with a brief answer where everyone participates)
- Responsive Circles – happen as needed in classrooms to address incidents that may cause harm (bullying, playground conflict, or unsafe behavior) or denote a change in the community (new student or a student’s last day)
- Informal Conferences – used to talk to an individual or small group about an issue (student/teacher conflict, habitual tardies, etc.) using 4 questions to reflect on effects of the behavior:
- What happened?
- Who did it affect?
- What might you have done differently?
- What is a solution so it doesn’t happen again?
- Preconferences – fact-finding review of the 4 questions with each individual in conflict prior to determine whether to put them together in a formal RP Conference
- RP Conferences – conference with two people in conflict or a reintegration of a student who has been suspended that results in a signed, mutually agreeable and student-generated solution
How can you support your student at home?
- Use the 4 questions when helping your student to problem solve through a conflict they have at home.
- Take turns answering relationship-building questions around the dinner table.
Restorative practice questions
- What happened?
- What are the effects?
- What responsibility can you take?
- What are the solutions?
Additional supports
- Check in/Check out
Resources
Jefferson County family resources
- Child Care Assistance: 303-271-4484
- The Action Center (food & housing): 303-237-7704
- Family Tree (emergency shelter for women & children in crisis): 303-467-2604
- United Way (medical & housing): 211
- Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment Center: 720-497-7799
- Arvada Community Resources
- North Area Therapists
Social Emotional Learning in Jeffco
Jeffco Public Schools creates and maintains a positive climate and culture in schools that is inclusive and safe for students, families and staff. With a commitment to empowering successful and productive citizens, the district supports the growth of students through leveled, evidence-based implementation of social emotional learning programming.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which students and adults gain and apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to deal effectively with daily tasks and challenges.
Jeffco has adopted the five core competencies of SEL outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL).
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making (CASEL, 2020)
SEL happens in safe and supportive school, family and community environments that support development and provide opportunities and recognition for successfully applying skills.