ClassX Video Lessons Top 3 SEL Tools You Need in the Classroom (So Demure, So Mindful!) | Monday Morning Momentum
Welcome to an engaging exploration of essential tools for enhancing social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom. In this article, we delve into three innovative resources that can help educators seamlessly integrate SEL into their teaching practices. These tools are designed to be efficient, engaging, and easy to implement, making them ideal for today’s dynamic educational environment.
Social-emotional learning has become a crucial component of education, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. It equips students with essential skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. However, educators often face challenges in finding the time and resources to effectively teach these skills. The following tools offer practical solutions to these challenges.
The first tool, Kori, serves as a versatile platform for SEL content. It provides ready-to-use lessons that can be easily integrated into classroom activities. Kori’s offerings include a variety of categories such as ice melters, energizers, team builders, and problem solvers. These activities are not only beneficial for students but can also be used as icebreakers in adult settings.
One of Kori’s standout features is its offline capability, allowing educators to engage students without relying heavily on digital devices. This is particularly beneficial after long periods of screen time. Each lesson is detailed with time requirements and preparation needs, making it a practical choice for teachers seeking to incorporate SEL without a formal curriculum.
Next, we have Pika Pack, a tool that excels in storytelling and game-based learning. It is designed to be used as a course, but its lessons can also stand alone. Pika Pack is ideal for educators looking to implement short, engaging lessons over an extended period. The tool’s visually appealing design and engaging characters make it a favorite among students.
Pika Pack’s approach to SEL through storytelling captivates students’ attention and encourages active participation. By incorporating SEL concepts into a game-like environment, it fosters a fun and interactive learning experience.
The final tool, Harmony SEL, also emphasizes storytelling but with a focus on goal tracking and progress monitoring. It offers lessons for both early childhood and older students, providing flexibility in its application. Although some of its design elements may appear dated, its free availability is a significant advantage.
Harmony SEL aligns with the CASEL framework, ensuring that its content is grounded in established SEL principles. By allowing students to track their goals over time, it helps educators monitor student development throughout the school year, making it a valuable resource for assessing growth in SEL skills.
These three tools—Kori, Pika Pack, and Harmony SEL—offer diverse approaches to integrating SEL into the classroom. Each provides unique features that cater to different teaching styles and student needs. By incorporating these resources, educators can enhance their teaching toolbox and support students’ social-emotional development effectively.
For more resources and information on building SEL skills, be sure to explore additional offerings on our site. Best of luck in the upcoming school year!
Engage in a hands-on workshop where you’ll explore the functionalities of Kori, Pika Pack, and Harmony SEL. This session will allow you to experience each tool firsthand and discuss strategies for integrating them into your teaching practices. Collaborate with peers to share insights and develop a plan for incorporating SEL into your curriculum.
Analyze real-world case studies where educators have successfully implemented SEL tools in their classrooms. Reflect on the challenges and successes they encountered. Discuss how these examples can inform your approach to using SEL tools, and consider potential adaptations for your specific educational context.
Participate in role-playing activities that simulate classroom situations where SEL tools can be applied. This exercise will help you practice using Kori, Pika Pack, and Harmony SEL in various scenarios, enhancing your ability to respond effectively to students’ social-emotional needs.
Create a lesson plan that incorporates one or more of the SEL tools discussed. Focus on aligning the lesson with SEL objectives and tailoring it to your students’ needs. Share your lesson plan with peers for feedback and suggestions, and consider how you might implement it in your teaching practice.
Maintain a reflective journal throughout your exploration of SEL tools. Document your thoughts, experiences, and any changes you observe in your students’ social-emotional skills. Use this journal as a tool for continuous improvement and to track your progress in integrating SEL into your classroom.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Hi all, I’m Kristen Oropesa, Education Marketing and Community Coordinator here at Common Sense. We are back for another episode of helping educators get the school year started right. Today, I have Bianca Deus with us; she is our Senior Editor of EdTech Reviews. Good morning, Bianca! How are you doing?
Good morning, Kristen! I’m doing well. I’m really excited to talk about some of our EdTech ratings on various tools as we start to think about this new school year and how to help educators. One of the things we often discuss is social-emotional learning (SEL), which continues to be a significant part of classrooms, especially post-pandemic. However, educators sometimes struggle to find the time to teach these skills alongside everything else they are asked to do. We need tools that make it easy, efficient, and, most importantly, engaging for students. I would love for you to share your top three tools for teaching SEL skills in the classroom.
Absolutely! I have three tools to share with you today. The first one is Kori. This tool is fantastic and serves as a one-stop shop for SEL content that you can use in your classrooms. Kori offers plug-and-play lessons that can be implemented in just a few minutes. It’s not something that requires extensive digital engagement; you can take the lesson offline and do it with your students. This can be a nice break for students who may have spent a lot of time on their devices, especially after summer.
You can browse by categories such as ice melters, energizers, team builders, and problem solvers. Within each category, you’ll find a breakdown of different games and activities. These activities are also great for adults, so you can use them as icebreakers in meetings or other settings.
For example, one activity might involve writing a question for students based on the theme of the day. There are various activities that help students connect with nature and each other, promoting mindfulness. Each lesson provides details on the time required and whether any preparation is needed. This tool is excellent for teachers looking to incorporate SEL skills without an official curriculum, making it more tangible for students.
The second tool I want to highlight is Pika Pack. This tool is designed to be used as a course, but you can also use the lessons in isolation. It works best when teachers plan to incorporate two or three 10 to 25-minute lessons per week over a longer period. If you’re looking for something that takes a short amount of classroom time but can be done over time, this might be a good fit.
Pika Pack thrives on storytelling and features engaging characters that guide students through their learning journey. The game-based learning aspect is particularly appealing to students. It’s visually engaging and incorporates SEL concepts, making it something students will want to participate in.
The last tool I want to discuss is Harmony SEL. This tool is similar to Pika Pack but focuses on storytelling as well. You can grab lessons and go without needing to complete an entire course, although you can if you choose to. Harmony SEL has sections for early childhood and older students. While some of the design may feel a bit dated, it’s free, which is a significant advantage.
Harmony SEL allows students to track their goals over time, focusing on their progress rather than just completing activities. This is especially important at the beginning of the school year, as it helps educators see how students develop throughout the year. Additionally, Harmony SEL is aligned with the CASEL framework, which is fundamental when discussing SEL skills.
These are three tools I’m really excited about. We have more resources on our site for building SEL skills in students, so be sure to check that out. Good luck this school year, and thank you for listening!
Thank you, Bianca, for sharing these tools. We’re excited to provide teachers with additional resources for their teaching toolbox this school year. Thanks for being here!
Thank you so much, Kristen! Bye!
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This version removes any informal language, filler words, and personal anecdotes while maintaining the core message and information.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university. – Education is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and fosters societal growth.
Social-emotional – Relating to the development of social and emotional skills that enable individuals to manage emotions, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. – Social-emotional learning is crucial for students to navigate complex social environments effectively.
Learning – The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Continuous learning is essential for professionals to stay updated in their fields.
Tools – Resources or instruments used to enhance learning and teaching processes. – Digital tools have transformed the way educators deliver content in the classroom.
Educators – Individuals who provide instruction or education; teachers. – Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future by inspiring and guiding students.
Skills – The ability to do something well; expertise, often acquired through training or experience. – Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are highly valued in today’s job market.
Storytelling – The activity of telling or writing stories, often used as an educational tool to convey complex ideas. – Storytelling can be an effective method to engage students and enhance their understanding of historical events.
Classroom – A room, typically in a school, where teaching and learning activities take place. – The classroom environment should be conducive to both collaborative and individual learning experiences.
Students – Individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution for the purpose of learning. – Students are encouraged to participate actively in discussions to enhance their learning experience.
Development – The process of growth or improvement, particularly in skills, knowledge, or capabilities. – Professional development programs are essential for educators to refine their teaching strategies.
