How Educators are Supporting the Whole Learner This School Year

Learning goes so far beyond what can be taught from a textbook or lecture, and supporting students as they develop social and emotional learning skills is critical to their whole wellbeing and success.

We asked our amazing community of educators on Facebook and Twitter how they incorporate social-emotional learning in the classroom to support the whole learner and what works best for them and their students. Here are a few of our favorite answers:

Ask students how they are doing

I ask my students how they are feeling. We talk about taking deep breathes before we respond or react to a situation that makes us upset. Also, they are allowed to express their feelings to someone who have hurt or offended them. This allows for listening and empathy.

— Vasha7UP (@Vasha7Up) April 29, 2022

Take a stretch break

My students and I take frequent stretch breaks. Incorporated in our day is time to work on social discourse and understanding one another.  #SEL thanks for the chance @edmentum #TeacherAppreciation

— Teacher B(eeKind) (@BuzzinTeach410) April 30, 2022

Ask about the weekends

Just ask them on Fridays who has anything going on for the weekend. Usually ask again on Mondays how their weekend was.

— megan (@specialmegan) April 30, 2022

Circle time

We dedicate some time in the morning for a community circle. Often times a topic is given for them to discuss and share. Other times, the topics are selected by students, addressing their needs.

— MzJd  (@jcae2008) April 30, 2022

Start the day with affirmations

Thank You! Teaching high school can be rough when trying to incorporate SEL, but our older kids need it too! We start off every with a positive affirmation to set the tone for class or simply for ourselves that day. Gentle SEL pushes have worked best for my lovelies!  pic.twitter.com/osuSYH0qHc

—  ProfessorBuck  (@Mrs_DeeBuck) April 30, 2022

Know the signs of an amygdala hijack

I teach my sophomores about how to recognize when someone (especially themselves) is experiencing an amygdala hijack. We also read some articles about the "science of happiness."

— Robin Sneed, M. Ed. (@RobinSneed6) April 30, 2022

Use books to relate back to real life

With my #kindergartens we read a lot of SEL books, as issues arise in class I relate them back to the books we’ve read to really make those connections. For kinder, it’s simple and profoundly effective.

— Mrs. Moore (she/her) (@BookDragon_Kat) April 30, 2022

Share a rose and thorn

SEL daily includes asking them for a daily rose (good) and a thorn (struggles) and a fish breathing activity where they inhale and whale for a a minute.

— Claudie Rich Thompson (@Claudie_Rich) April 30, 2022

Create a physical space in the classroom

We have designated Peace Place areas in every classroom for students to visit if they need time and resources to manage their social emotional health.

— Melissa Darrow, NBCT (@MelissaDarrow) April 30, 2022

Design emojis

I recently did an emoji activity that was a hit in fifth grade. Students designed their own emoji and explained the emotions behind it. It was fun and reflective.

— Isabel Marsh (@Marshleads) April 30, 2022

Celebrate together

I always ask them about their weekend and celebrate their birthdays with them, even if it’s just by gifting them a lollipop!
I teach middle school so I’ll ask them to close their eyes so they can focus and tune in to what’s required before I have them write an essay.

— (@MrsP_is_online) April 29, 2022

Helping students feel safe and seen in the classroom is just one of many ways educators can help nurture the whole learner, and in doing so, help drive student success.  

Looking for more educator tips? Check out this post for teacher-trusted classroom hacks!