It is starting to feel like Fall is here and we are excited to enjoy the cooler temperatures. As we transition into Fall our focus remains on not only academics, but supporting our students' social and emotional development. We know that if this is not a priority then academic learning can not happen.

One of the main ways that we are doing this is by first looking at each individual child's strengths. We look to all of the places where they are thriving and then use this information to help support potential struggles by building on those strengths. In the Pre-Kindergarten program we use a strengths based approach called the DECA. This stands for the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment. In Kindergarten and 1st grade we use the DESSA (The Devereux Student Strengths Assessment). These two tools guide what we are doing in classrooms as well as things that you can do at home to strengthen the social and emotional development of your child. We have been spending the first several weeks really getting to know your child and now, over the next couple of weeks, we will complete the DECA and DESSA.

At these younger ages the first thing we do is to help the child identify their feelings. It is important for children to be able to name their feelings and know that these feelings are normal and accepted. It is only after this identifying that they can be open to looking at solutions and developing problem solving skills.

Here are some things you can do at home to support this stage of development;

BOOKS:

The Mad Family Gets Their Mads Out By Lynne Namka

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids By Carol McCloud

My Mouth is a Volcano! By Julia Cook

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are By Maria Dismondy

Hello, Universe By Erin Entrada Kelly

Ruby Finds a Worry By Tom Percival

Emily’s Tiger By Miriam Latimer

Anh’s Anger By Gail Silver and Christiane Kromer

B Is For Breathe: The ABC’s of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings By Melissa Munro Boyd

My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood By Tameka Fryer Brown and Shane W. Evans

Listening With My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-Compassion by Gabi Garcia and Ying Hui Tan B

GAMES: Family game nights are one way to teach children SEL while enjoying time together away from screens. Games teach many important social and emotional skills including cooperation, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

VIDEOS: Exploring Feelings — Adventures in Learning (PBS Parents)

Why Do We Feel Emotional? (Little Kids. Big Questions.

Why Do We Lose Control of Our Emotions?

Please let your child’s teacher know if you would like more information about things you can do at home to support this important development with your child.

Fall Family Opportunities: