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
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