What is a better way to start the day than with heartfelt greetings from a dear friend, the kindness of a stranger, or the comforting presence of family? Any day can easily brighten when one connects with another with deep understanding, care, and positivity. These positive social interactions not only enhance a person’s mental health and emotional well-being but also provide a sense of social acceptance and belonging.
Positive social interactions, especially at a young age, are significant in a child's development and well-being. When children actively demonstrate kindness, compassion, and empathy, they build meaningful connections with others and enhance their self-concept. Furthermore, they develop essential relationship skills among the five core social-emotional learning competencies.
"When children actively demonstrate kindness, compassion, and empathy, they build meaningful connections with others and enhance their self-concept."
In this evidence-based SEL lesson, kindergartners recall the positive actions they have previously written in their classroom Code of Conduct. This code serves as a guiding framework, helping students understand the classroom expectations for their behavior. By following these positive actions, kindergartners learn personal responsibility, the importance of treating others the way they wish to be treated, and how to effectively get along with their peers.
As proof of their commitment to building healthy connections, the young students sign their names next to the Code of Conduct. However, the teacher ensures that the students truly grasp the concepts first before allowing them to sign. One by one, the whole class defines and discusses what each concept means. Students are then encouraged to provide specific and relatable examples to help them remember the meaning of each positive behavior.
Once kindergartners have deepened their understanding of the values embodied in the code, they are allowed to sign the poster. However, the teacher takes a moment to emphasize that signing their names goes beyond mere formality. It is a symbolic commitment to wholeheartedly embrace and actively uphold the positive actions they have collectively agreed upon. This is how the lesson ends, with the kindergarten students becoming ambassadors of social-emotional positive actions.
This effective SEL lesson instills essential social skills and character development in kindergartners that can extend beyond their early years. These skills can significantly impact various aspects of their lives, including academic performance and future success. For example, they can hone the ability to effectively communicate, empathize, and work cooperatively with others, which are highly valued in academic settings, workplaces, and personal relationships.
Pasela is a digital product presented by Positive Action.
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