Social Emotional Learning or Character Education | Education to the Core
What are your initial thoughts about returning to the classroom this upcoming school year? Do you have any concerns or reservations? Uncertainty? Excited yet a little nervous about what this upcoming school year will look like?
All of these feelings are typical! We, as educators, always get those “butterfly feelings” to start up a school year. However, after the school year we just had (that I am not mentioning), we may have a few more obstacles ahead of us moving forward. Personally speaking, anxiety levels are up, and I am apprehensive about what I will face walking into the next school year. So what can we do?
A common theme I keep hearing from educators and administrators regarding this upcoming school year is the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). School districts across the country are looking towards SEL curriculum, resources, and activities to address what students and families may be walking through the door with.
In many of our classrooms, respect, responsibility, and honesty are weekly topics or discussions. Isn’t this enough? Don’t we cover SEL topics when we talk about Character Ed? Well…not quite. SEL and Character Ed. have some similarities; however, they are very different programs designed for various reasons.
For text, pictures and direct links provided throughout this episode. Check out our corresponding blog: Social Emotional Learning or Character Education | Education to the Core