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I love the idea of teachers teaching students to use positive self talk! So many of the messages we tell ourselves are negative. Focusing on and recognizing the positive is impactful!

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There are various techniques that teachers can use with their students. One that I believe should be practiced on a daily basis is a check in at the start of the day. Specifically with this practice, it helps to build a personal connection between the students and their teacher which could further enhance their relationship and trust.

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One thing I heard about earlier this week was a teacher using Scholastic News as an outlet for SEL. Students read articles in the class and discuss them. Students are free to provide their opinions and responses to what they read. No one is forced to, no one is allowed to judge or make fun of another student. It is simply an opportunity for each student to participate and share their feelings on subjects which they read about.

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Teachers can implement community circles in the classroom. Once a week, the whole class can meet to discuss a question or an issue that has been happening in the classroom. Each student can take a turn to express themselves. By allowing students to come together as a whole class, students build trust and better relationships with their peers.

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In the SEL reading, I came across two techniques for "brain breaks" that activate emotional regulation in primitive parts of the brain.  One is called "Funny Talk" where students put their tongue on the roof of their mouth and talk.  I thought this technique would be great for younger grades.  Another technique is to give student two Dixie cups with water.  They practice pouring water from one cup to the other with their eyes open and then with their eyes shut. Brain breaks are very important for relaxation and re-focusing when it's time to get back to work.

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I've heard of Wellness Wednesdays, this is where they dedicate a time of day on a specific day to opening the discussion to the students. They get to decide the topic they want to talk about or what they want to do in terms of SEL. I have seen this done in a senior class at a high school where they talked about their stress of applying to schools.

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I believe that having a steady routine really helps student with their social and emotional learning. However, this does not need to be a boring routine. It can be switched up but the students should know what to expect. For example, every morning there is a 5 minute meditation then a morning message, etc. There should be time set apart to focus on SEL every single day.

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Teachers can implement relationship building activities in which students get to know one another and the teacher in order for them to build confidence and openness in the classroom. Morning meetings and end of the meetings can provide students the opportunity to have a voice by expressing how they are feeling about the day using a visual of facial expressions as a resource and ask for help from peers or the teacher if needed, which can build students' self-advocacy skills. In addition, incorporating role-playing and children's literature can support students' understanding of SEL skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, etc.

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Teachers can use stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or brain breaks. This will help the students recollect and focus on how they are feeling. Another idea would be to implement SEL books. Sometimes, it is difficult for students to talk about their own feelings so identifying and talking about characters feelings is another way to build SEL.

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I have seen teachers do circle time. Each student goes around and express how they are feeling. Another tool I have seen is teachers posting posters about positive phrases.

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I have seen relaxation retreats used in a few classrooms where students can move away from the class to work by themselves or take a mental break. This allows students to simply regain their focus or reflect on their feelings.

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Teachers can implement daily morning meetings. This allows students to build self-awareness and social awareness because they express their own feelings and show empathy toward their classmates who are expressing their feelings as well. Teachers can also use a "take a break" designated part in the classroom. In that designated spot, there would be handouts that ask students to reflect on how they are feeling, why they are feeling that way, and how they can feel better.