Social Emotional Learning at MCC Elementary
By: Nikki Cheskie, MCC Elementary Mental Health Coordinator
Social and emotional intelligence is such a major part of our world and a key factor in predicting success in the workplace, relationships, and in every area of our lives. Many schools nationwide have identified this as an area that needs improvement in students – especially since the social and educational interruptions of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Our MCC Elementary Rebel Pride motto is: “Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Be Ready to Learn.” But what does that look like in action? How do we handle relationships in real life? How do we deal with the big emotions that come with the daily pressures of life? We are trying to answer some of those questions with our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program.
Students in grades Kindergarten - 4 have one weekly SEL lesson during their music class time. These lessons taught using the QuaverEd curriculum. This curriculum includes fun songs based on the weekly topics, as well as lots of class discussion and interaction.
Some of the topics we are focusing on in our SEL lessons are understanding and handling feelings, solving conflicts, self-discipline, setting goals, teamwork, time management, respect for others, and friendship skills (among several others). Please ask students you know in grades K-4 about these lessons and what they are learning. Grades 5-6 are working on building leadership skills through the Lead ‘Em Up curriculum one day each week during their physical education time.
Please encourage and reinforce these social skills at home and in the community. Thank you for supporting us as we work to build students who are well rounded in all areas of their lives!