I love to “bust a move”–dancing always lifts my spirits and energizes me and now there’s research backing up why you may want to incorporate more fun movement into your lessons. Dr. Laura Chaddock-Heyman, research scientist at the University of Illinois-Champaign, specializes in how exercise and fitness relate to the developing brains of children. Her […]
This morning I was reminded of a favorite quote of mine from Howard Zinn by researcher, Mark Greenberg…the quote below was my email signature for a few years and I shared it a lot with my students when I was teaching HS History/Social Studies. “To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. […]
A great article about how social emotional learning can transform classrooms was just published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. The author writes, “SEL doesn’t just change the teaching—it changes the teachers and the students,” and goes on to detail stories of transformation. I was interviewed for this article a few months […]
In her review of Teach, Breathe, Learn for Cult of Pedagogy, Jennifer Gonzalez writes, “If the students and teachers at your school were taught to be more mindful — to focus more clearly, calm themselves when powerful emotions arise, and respond thoughtfully when quick decisions must be made — school would be different. Calmer. Healthier. […]
MAMARONECK, N.Y. — Mamaroneck School Superintendent Robert Shaps discusses social and emotional learning on his blog. “During my convocation address to faculty and staff, I had the opportunity to share some fascinating research on how social and emotional learning changes brain chemistry and helps children and adults learn. The amazing advances in brain imaging technology […]
The only time my husband isn’t a good listener or impossible to access is when he’s engaged in sports. If we are at a restaurant and a sports game is on he has to sit where he’s not facing the TV. From my husband I’ve learned just how inspiring sporting matches can be and how […]
What does Social Emotional Learning (SEL) look like across K-12? How is SEL different in high school when compared to elementary school? These are questions I’ve been pondering for the past 9 months. Recently case studies on five secondary schools in urban areas found 6 common elements of SEL: 1. Web of structural supports 2. […]