MANCHESTER – As social emotional learning (SEL) has been shown to improve student academics, conduct and attendance it was only right to celebrate student participation as part of International SEL Day.
Students are learning to focus, cope with stress, and how to get along with each other and it has become more crucial as they struggle with mental health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manchester’s elementary schools recently observed International SEL Day, with students participating in SEL activities throughout the day.
The activities focused on the five competencies for social emotional learning identified by the New Jersey Department of Education which include: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills.
Ridgeway School Counselor Melanie Jaenicke and Vice Principal Kerry Young designed lessons for the event and showcased resources based on this year’s SEL Day theme: ‘Finding Common Ground, Pursuing Common Good.’
The students spent the day visiting each classroom in their grade level to learn more about social emotional learning. The day’s climax featured a presentation of mindful exercises in a school wide assembly program by Chelsea Greenstein. She led students through a number of poses and breathing techniques to help students practice mindfulness.
Kindergarten students enjoyed several in-class activities some of which included watching a Sesame Street video about empathy. Older students performed online activities and completed worksheets that asked them to fill a rainbow and pot of gold with positive things about themselves.
The Manchester Township Elementary School extended SEL Day to a full month and kicked it off with Superhero Day, discussing how everyone can use their own superpowers to do good for others and feel comfortable in our own skin.
School Principal Linda Waldron said one of their teachers dressed as Captain Underpants, which she said was a perfect example of feeling comfortable in your skin.
Student ambassadors from each class met with Guidance Counselor Mrs. Smisek and the principal. They talked about SEL and shared the discussion with their class. Students also took a survey about how comfortable they are at MTES.
The guidance counselor is reviewing the results, and the plan is to share with staff and students through their ambassadors at a future meeting.
Meanwhile over at Whiting Elementary School, students were grouped based on their grade level – (k-2) and (3-5) – following a schedule of fun learning activities that each centered around one of the SEL competencies.
Students created their own Calm Down Jars and stress balls that can be used for regulating frustration or anger. They went on a Mindfulness walk that allowed them to create a clear and positive mind. One station taught empathy, using different scenarios on how someone may be empathetic toward another individual. Students created a craft to empower students to recognize their own strengths, thoughts and emotions.
“Social Emotional Learning Day is a great opportunity for our students to learn the skills and knowledge needed to recognize and understand their emotions. Our students enjoyed working with our staff and their classmates. Whiting Elementary is looking forward to celebrating it again next year!” Principal Evelyn Swift said.
