Tag: Social awareness

Safety and Caring First; Inclusion and Equity Plus Kindness Equals Learning

When ethnographer Angela Valenzuela spoke with immigrants in Texas – Mexican-American parents and students – and dug into the meaning of the Spanish word “educacion,” (in English: education) they understood it to mean “caring before learning.” 1 And that interpretation makes practical sense for any and all school communities. Children not only need to feel …

Facilitating the Transition Back to School with Social and Emotional Intelligence

I’m gonna hold onto this couch and never let go! – E. Miller, Age 6 It’s the morning after our summer vacation at the lake. E awoke and said he had had a nightmare. “My school became a haunted village. A ghost dragged me around the grounds. And all of my school friends were at …

The Courageous Act of Making New Friends

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis The need and desire to make new friends can arise in children’s lives anytime whether your child is new to a camp or school, a close friend moved away, or …

A Storied Childhood – The Role of Stories in Children’s Social and Emotional Development

Oh, the places you’ll go! The worlds you will visit! The friends you will know! – Dr. Seuss1 “What are you guys up to?” I say to the three six-year-old friends in my living room. “We’re sharing our books!” one says with an “Isn’t it obvious?” tone. Reading is a top priority in the early …

Promoting Difference Appreciation – A Children’s Book for Summer Reading

Considering the recent tragedy in Orlando, Florida, I thought this book might be a helpful one to add to any family’s summer reading list. This wonderful book – “Made by Raffi” is about a boy who felt different and used his interests to positively contribute to the people around him. Our kids will all experience …

Teaching Kids about Money from the Social and Emotional Perspective: Part One, Self-Awareness

“Wouldn’t it be awesome if every toy in the world were one dollar?” exclaimed my son, E yesterday with great enthusiasm. “Then,” he went on, “I could buy everything on my wish list with the money in my piggy bank!” “Hmmm. Let’s think about that.” was my response. “What if?” I eagerly await those opportunities …

Learning about the Major World Holidays – Their Uniqueness and Commonalities

Because of the numerous holidays celebrated through the fall and winter months, it is an ideal time to discuss how people celebrate around the world – both the uniqueness of traditions and also the many commonalities. I was struck by the number of similar themes and symbols when I did the research for the following …

Sharing Picture Books to Make Meaning

The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms. – Muriel Rukeyser Rabbits and owls happen to be two of E’s favorite animals so when we read a story about a friendship between them, we were both eager for the tale. The good friends built their homes next door to one another but Owl couldn’t …

Elements of a Confident Kid… Service Minded

– noticing others or environmental needs, feeling empathy and desiring a role in contributing to their or its well-being. About being service minded A service-minded person is both self and socially aware. She must know her own strengths and limitations. She sees what contributions she can make and how they relate to other’s unmet needs. …