# data[].attributes.body
This is not a resource made to replace already implemented and working SEL resources. Please consult a professional if a child is a danger to themselves or others. This is not an inclusive list and is only intended as a starting point for those wishing to have readily available resources for common social and emotional learning disruptions.

# data[].attributes.body
Use this site to explore evidence-based interventions that work!

# data[].attributes.body
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NkV_QQy0eJV70apZSoQuVTMyc9ONA2NxQBHB_lp-sgM/edit?usp=sharing

# data[].attributes.body
This website will allow you to download specific tools to use in a supportive classroom, teach you how to integrate SEL into instruction, and provide tools for explicit SEL instruction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CASEL identifies three essential areas of hiqh-quality, SEL-focused classrooms. This section will provide your school team with guidance and resources to support teachers in developing aligned strategies for these areas:
A supportive classroom climate where students feel emotionally safe, part of a community of learners, motivated and challenged. This type of environment creates a strong foundation for students to engage fully and take academic risks (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017). This includes:

Community-building

Belonging and emotional safety

Student-centered discipline

Integration of SEL into academic instruction that weaves deep academic learning with opportunities for students to understand their own emotions, empathize with diverse perspectives, cultivate trusting relationships, solve problems constructively, and make decisions while considering the needs of others. This includes:

Fostering academic mindsets

Aligning SEL and academic objectives

Using interactive pedagogy

Explicit SEL instruction that provides consistent opportunities to cultivate, practice, and reflect on social and emotional competencies in ways that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.

Evidence-based programs can support one or all three areas of the SEL-focused classroom. Your team may also choose to supplement a program with additional strategies contained in these sections.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CASEL identifies three essential areas of hiqh-quality, SEL-focused classrooms. This section will provide your school team with guidance and resources to support teachers in developing aligned strategies for these areas: A supportive classroom climate where students feel emotionally safe, part of a community of learners, motivated and challenged.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For years we've been hearing from teachers across the country who show our "On the Road" segment in class. These teachers even develop curriculum around the stories. Some show the stories once a...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Global Game Changers Student Empowerment Program

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In-Depth Curriculum

Base curriculum with fully-written lesson plans for Pre-K - 5th Grade

All lessons aligned to Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts & CASEL

Flexible implementation to suit your needs

Hands-on, project-based lessons with real world applications

Whole child development focus

Easy Online Access

Online portal with full program access

Simple to understand and navigate

Embedded tools including PowerPoints and videos

Gain points and win swag!

Amazing Tools & Resources

Introductory toolkits available at no cost to new educators

Video resources including animated cartoons, how-to videos, PD videos, and teaching videos

Growing lesson library for new lessons beyond the base curriculum

Measurement tools built in and free for use to assess student growth

To introduce the curriculum, we use The Global Game Changers, a book about a fictional alliance of superheroes; Global Girl, Little Big-Heart, and their dog Pixel, who search the world looking for real-life kids who IGNITE GOOD!™ to join their alliance to fight KRUMI, represented by a dark cloud of apathy. The book tells the story of three real-life recruits who have learned to fight apathy - compassion's archenemy, with their heads, their hearts, and their hands and to do good in the world.

By making IGNITE GOOD!™ a part of who they are, rather than just something they do, they build core values that put them on a trajectory for a successful and happy life.

Check out the Alliance in action below in our pilot episode, "Creative Recycling."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Access Our Curriculum - Global Game Changers Student Empowerment Program

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Base curriculum with fully-written lesson plans for Pre-K - 5th Grade All lessons aligned to Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts & CASEL Flexible implementation to suit your needs Hands-on, project-based lessons with real world applications Whole child development focus Online portal with full program access Simple to understand and navigate Embedded tools including PowerPoints and videos Gain points and win swag!

# data[].attributes.body
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QOxdaSRPscF40HSaaWKZ3ZqGbaV410Muhdj4zpiVFRg/edit

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.waterford.org/resources/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mindfulness Exercises for Kids in the Classroom - Waterford.org

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use these 51 mindfulness activities to help children recognize and manage their thoughts, emotions, and actions—all important SEL skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
51 Mindfulness Exercises for Kids in the Classroom

# data[].attributes.body
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PmcLbzjVIbNpjzPKqr_6RGWm259L75_u/view

# data[].attributes.body
If you have a student that needs additional help, please reach out to our SOC committee.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Google Forms - create and analyze surveys, for free.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/9-tips-for-teaching-kindness-in-the-classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fostering a culture of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and student to teacher. Carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships. As relationships form, trust develops, which allows a culture of learning to blossom where all individuals feel genuinely valued -- for who they are and what they contribute as a unique individual. Although there's no denying that teachers have various demands to tend to, devoting ample time to nurturing the classroom culture through teaching kindness is exactly what allows us to be successful in other areas.

According to neuroscientist and educator, Dr. Judy Willis:

"Classrooms can be the safe haven where academic practices and classroom strategies provide students with emotional comfort and pleasure as well as knowledge. When teachers use strategies to reduce stress and build a positive emotional environment, students gain emotional resilience and learn more efficiently and at higher levels of cognition. Brain-imaging studies support this relationship."

A group of PBS Digital Innovators collaborated to share their tips for teaching kindness in the classroom. Our hope is to inspire others to share how they too, teach kindness in the classroom as a response to this post.

Tips for Teaching Kindness
1. Model Kindness
One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind to others. I always introduce our custodian to our class the first day of school and regularly thank her for all that she does in front of the class. It soon spreads and I hear my students begin to thank her when she's working in the room. I also make it a point to be overly kind to our cafeteria staff in front of the students. Soon, they start to treat the cafeteria staff just as respectfully and kindly. Our students look to us as models for what's expected, and if we are treating others kindly, they will follow suit.
2. Teach Empathy with Intentionality
We spend several months focused on learning "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids." One very important habit that helps students learn to be kind to others, especially when dealing with conflict, is "Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood." This helps students see each other through a kindness lens and appreciate what each other is feeling.
3. Celebrate Kindness Week
Partner up classes to send each other kindness cards. Deliver sweet treats to custodians, administration, cafeteria staff, and students' former teachers. Invite students to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) for others. Staff members can even write each other compliments! The list of ways to promote kindness during this week is endless. Throw kindness around like confetti!
4. Facilitate Morning Meetings
Morning meetings are a great opportunity for learners to develop empathy as they learn to listen with understanding and consider how best to respond to their peers. They can be utilized with all ages, and at the secondary level, may be called collaborative class discussions. In our classroom, we gather in a circle for a welcome message and short discussion. Then, we often partner up to engage, personally greet our friend, and go deeper in discussion. Often, we'll change partners, and depending on our structure, we may regroup into a circle. During a morning meeting, students may discuss a topic shared by the teacher and as they gain autonomy, they can take on leadership roles by helping to create the morning message or topic of discussion. Morning meetings support learners to understand the best ways to approach their peers by greeting one another with kindness and responding or posing questions appropriately and with empathy. In my experience, morning meetings support the culture of learning by setting the tone for the day and by allowing us to get to know one another differently than when we engage in collaborative class work. Some individuals are concerned about the time morning meetings can take, but when the culture for learning is built on the foundation of relationships and trust, learners feel embraced by their teacher and peers, deepening learning experiences and fostering a strong community.
5. Emphasis on Friendship
The only rule in my class is, "We are all friends." We began the year by creating a chart that shows what a friend can do, what friends will do and what friends like to do together. The discussion was amazing during the charts creation. We talked about what kindness looks like in a classroom. For example, friends can help you sharpen a pencil, but they can also help you play games or read with you. I also model what a conversation looks like. Friends need to listen to each other and take turns talking.
6. Create a Friendship and Kindness Center
A friendship or kindness center has the potential to empower learners to explore different aspects of friendship. The center we created provides links to read alouds and PBS LearningMedia that demonstrate the qualities of a friend. Each day, for two weeks, I read one of the books followed by a class meeting to discuss the book and how we can use the lesson to show kindness or friendship to others. The qualities in the center include positive sentiments about what friendship means: friends show patience, , encourage each other, respect personal space, include others, help others, use kind words, show compassion and celebrate differences. I have hard copies of each book and students are able to access the read alouds through QR code links in the center. I reflected my students' diversity by choosing readers with accents that some students may have not heard before. Daniel Tiger is also featured in the center. I often hear students singing along with Daniel and his friends as they Find a way to play together and Try to solve the problems themselves. The center is a great way for students to come back and reflect on the lessons learned through each book.

7. Create a Challenge to Spread Kindness
When one act of kindness is conducted between classmates, the recipient(s) of the act pass on a new act of kindness to another classmate until the entire classroom family has experienced at least one act of kindness that was bestowed upon them at closing circle (yep, like morning circle but at the end of the day). Repeat :)
8. Leverage Social Stories Including a Problem To Solve
Sharing social stories allows learners to be metacognitive about problems they may encounter. Have a class discussion about how they would feel if they were the character. What would they want/need in the moment? (Evoking Empathy). How would they want the problem solved? Why? By putting themselves in the story vs. just asking how do you think the character feels, creates stronger connection and context. Daniel Tiger and Pinkalicious stories are great!
9. Be the ACTION
Often times, children may be able to identify 'needs," yet not know how to take action. Empower your students to take initiative. This can start by simply discussing needs and generating ways to meet those needs. Don't stop there! A small, class community service project is a great way to connect to your community and provide an intentional opportunity for your students to experience empathy. Have your class choose a need from their list, and guide them through process of making a difference. It could be as simple as encouragement cards to the local nursing home. While you are teaching your students to empathize, you are simultaneously exercising their creativity and critical thinking skills in the process. If we mold our Kindergarteners into "do-ers," they will eventually morph into middle and high school students who are collaborators, initiators, and critical thinkers. No matter what grade level you teach, never underestimate your impact. A stone cast in Kindergarten can create a ripple effect throughout a lifetime!

While state laws, districts and campuses mandate what teachers teach, it's the choice to teach kindness in the classroom that is truly making a difference for our students today and for their futures. Ultimately, it's kindness that supports us in helping learners to be successful in their learning journey. Kindness in the classroom is linked to a strong sense of belonging and increased self-esteem as acceptance for peers develops. When these needs are met, students can better focus on learning and are more likely to engage in critical thinking, express creativity, collaborate, communicate effectively, and persevere through challenges -- essential skills our youth require. No matter which way you teach kindness, the world will always be a better place because of it. What will you do today to foster a community built on kindness, empathy and authentic connections?
Elisabeth Bostwick is a teacher in Horseheads, N.Y., who's passionate about sparking curiosity and unleashing creativity to empower learning. She is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator and was the recipient of the New York State Excellence in Teaching award. Her first book, Julie Hildebrand Ashley Judd Mallory Mbalia is the Assistant Principal at Underwood GT Elementary in Raleigh, NC. She is a former kindergarten teacher who is passionate about early childhood education, as well as equity work in education, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their true potential. Mallory serves as a trainer for her local station UNC TV Public Media North Carolina and is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star. is a 4th Grade Teacher at Tyner Elementary in Tyner, KY. She specializes in elementary education and incorporating innovative classroom practices, aimed at amplifying student growth. Ashley is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star, as well as a finalist for KY Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award Winner. is a First Grade Teacher and Campus Innovation Coach at Patton Elementary in Austin, Texas. Julie's primary goals have been to increase student achievement in literacy and technology skills in and out of her classroom. In addition to being a Heart of Texas Writing Project Teacher Consultant, Julie is also a Discovery Education Ambassador, a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star and serves on the PBS KLRU Board of Education Committee. Education Write Now Volume II, Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture, co-authored with nine other passionate educators, will release in December 2018. In early January 2019, her second book, Take the L.E.A.P., Ignite a Culture of Innovation will be released.
Michelle Garmon is a First Grade Teacher and PBS Digital Innovator All-Star from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Student Greeters welcome visitors to Michelle's classroom with a cheerful "Hello neighbor!" "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," is stenciled above the smartboard. Michelle's goals include the Social emotional growth of her students and the use technology to inspire a love of learning in her class of 21st century learners.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
9 tips for teaching kindness in the classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Tips For Teaching Kindness in the Classroom | PBS Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your source for teaching inspiration, blogs, and online professional events.

# data[].attributes.body
This has 36 common elementary behaviors. Simply click on the behavior, read the checklist to see if your student fits and several strategies to combat the behavior will be listed and linked!

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.pbisworld.com/tier-3/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alternatives To Suspension Behavior Contract Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Behavior Meetings Structured Breaks Check In Check Out (CICO) Collaboration With Student's Physician And/Or Mental Health Provider Counselor Referral Daily Behavior Form Forced Choice Reinforcement Survey

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.pbisworld.com/tier-3/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alternatives To Suspension Behavior Contract Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) Behavior Meetings Structured Breaks Check In Check Out (CICO) Collaboration With Student's Physician And/Or Mental Health Provider Counselor Referral Daily Behavior Form Forced Choice Reinforcement Survey

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.pbisworld.com/tier-1/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Avoid power struggles Call parent or note home Card Flip Clear, consistent, and predictable consequences Do unfinished work during recess or unstructured time Have student say a nice thing to the student they called a name Logical consequence Natural consequences Office referral Reflection sheet Remove from room Speak in calm and neutral tone Take away privileges Take away unstructured or free time