Nurturing Young Learners Back at Lomond, Elisabeth Bates is most grateful for a school-wide social/ emotional program called Caring Schools Community. The program was initially funded by a donation from the Shaker Heights High Class of ‘50/’51 and was piloted at Lomond prior to the pandemic. The program is now offered at all the K-4 buildings. It involves a brief daily meeting where students can reflect and share on a universal prompt, such as, How did my actions affect someone today? What went well? How could it go better? “The kids take it very seriously,” says Bates. “I love that we’re using the same language throughout the school so they’re all hearing the same thing.” Students at the elementary buildings are also learning important selfsoothing techniques, like this one taught by Lomond school counselor Mary Bourisseau: she has them draw a pattern on a card, such as a star, flower, or water drop. Next, they trace the item in the air with their finger, as they breathe in and out. No card? No problem. They can also trace their five fingers up and down in the same manner. “It’s very tactile and calming, which refocuses them,” says Bourisseau. “After they do it a few times, it becomes automatic for them.” While the academic curriculum is unquestionably full, teachers have embraced the extra time spent on social/emotional learning. “We need to meet those needs first, or no other learning can happen,” says Bates. “Students need to feel loved, valued, and cared for before I can teach them anything.” SL Advice for Parents from the Shaker SEL Team “If you are struggling with issues related to social/emotional regulation, help is available. The social worker is the first line of support in every building. Check the District website or call your child’s building to be connected with them.” - Liz Massey, Supervisor of Student Wellness & Success “Any school year is like a marathon. Our students need to build up their stamina and skills to handle the rigors of in-person learning, which can be stressful for many students.” - Eric Juli, High School Principal “During middle school, they’re trying to manage life’s ups and downs. They’re going to make mistakes and sometimes feelings will be hurt, and that’s okay. Be their cheerleader, and reach out to the SEL team when support is needed.” - Kristina Longino, Middle School Guidance Counselor “We need to reframe the way we look at hard emotions. Yes, they are hard to feel, but they are not bad. They are there to tell us things. Naming our emotions and modeling productive ways to express anger, anxiety, or sadness are very beneficial to children.” - Margaret Whitmore, Student Care Specialist at Woodbury “Try to be a vessel for your child. They need to feel they can open up to us without fear of negative consequences. Positive reinforcement is always better than negative reinforcement. Find out what motivates your child, and work from there. ” - Desmond Yanamayu, Clinical Director, Black Mental Health Corporation For more information and resources on social/emotional skills and strategies by age group, visit shaker.org/SocialandEmotional SkillsResources.aspx WWW.SHAKER.LIFE | SUMMER 2022 51
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