SEL in a hard enough world.

 I think to incorporate SEL into the classroom is paramount. Oftentimes we don't know what needs are going unmet at home for the students in our classroom. If they are all getting met, then great, that is what we strive for and what we can only hope for. Realistically however, we will all have students who will be needing additional supports; especially in a time where technology is king and has helped, yet hindered us in so many ways. We spoke about how kids come in without skills to work together and problem solve, no one knows how to distribute tasks based on strengths. The communication and the interpersonal has gone away. With this comes an undercurrent of instant gratification and fear of the unknown or of looking silly in front of peers. As teachers we need to create an environment which allows for our students to lean into the discomfort and know that they are supported on all sides. That a mistake is just that and that we learn best from those, and we grow from those. That we encourage one another and we support each other on days where need it. We have to help students learn these skills. They need harness these skills sooner than later to be effective in the work place, and the classroom is a perfect place to help them in a safe and supportive environment when they can make a misstep and try again knowing they are supported and cared for.