Accept challenges. Ask questions. Make mistakes.
Admit you don't know the answer, YET!


A K-5 school counselor sharing resources and ideas on social emotional topics.
The “in like a lion, out like a lamb” saying makes sense because March is typically when we see the transition between winter and spring. The weather can be wild and windy and less predictable when we begin the month and it usually calms down, warms up, and becomes more settled by the end. We can start to discard all of the warm protective gear that has kept us feeling safe and warm, and begin to enjoy the heat from the sun once again.
Going through transitions and change is much like experiencing the month of March. In the beginning we often experience a variety of strong emotions, and often feel like we have no control. Once we have passed through the change, we often find that we have learned a lot and can even feel stronger.
Here are a few transitions that might feel challenging to manage:
ALL feelings matter. Everything we experience is part of what makes us us. Emotions can be messy, complicated, and just plain confusing. Learning to name our emotions and talk about them — by ourself and with others — is a key part of developing our emotional intelligence and well being.
We are human and we will experience every emotion in our lifetime, but we are not our emotions alone, and we do not need to be controlled by our emotions either. Feeling content, good, and positive can happen and being healthy and happy is where our body will feel best and function best.
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Image AI generated Canva 2024 |
We are living in a fast paced, ever changing, critical time in history. We no longer live with technology, we live IN it. Improved machines, faster production, and global communication all positively impact our world. We are also realizing another side to some of this science.
Technologies, especially video games and cell phones, have been proven to negatively impact wellness, especially in our youngest population. Overuse of technology, combined with less unstructured free play and reduced exposure to the natural environment has led to sleep deprivation, attention deficit, loneliness, and even anxiety. (The Anxious Generation, 2024)
School and families are having to make difficult choices. We want our children to be ready for the global world. We want them to be confident and smart digital citizens. We also need to ensure that they are developing healthy habits and social skills, to ensure good physical and mental wellness will benefit them well beyond their school years. Just how much technology is the right amount of technology? This is the challenge.
So where does Artificial Intelligence come in? Is there room for this type of technology? Can AI be a tool to help our students build social skills and healthy habits, or will it be counterproductive?
*Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds tremendous potential in enhancing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within educational settings. SEL revolves around the development of crucial life skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and effective communication.
*AI can support this by providing personalized learning experiences and real-time feedback. For instance, AI-driven platforms can analyze students' interactions and emotional states, offering tailored exercises that promote emotional intelligence and resilience. Additionally, virtual assistants or chatbots can simulate social scenarios, allowing students to practice and refine their interpersonal skills in a safe, controlled environment.
*By integrating AI with SEL, educators can create more inclusive and adaptive learning environments that cater to the unique emotional and social needs of each student, ultimately fostering a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent generation. *Text Generated with AI (Canva 2024)
AI, along with other technologies, is an ongoing challenge. It is new and leaves us with many questions around ethical use and over reliance, among others. However, the ideas generated in the paragraph above are one example of how AI can get us thinking and perhaps lead us to solid answers to difficult questions. Prior to the Covid pandemic it made sense that social emotional always referred to connected, in-person relationships. Today, we recognize there are many lifestyles and many pathways to mental health and social intelligence, can AI be part of that?
There might just be some benefit to this advanced type of technology for some of our students and families. Tools to help us research best practice and supports, such Understood's AI Assistant, might make it easier for parents and educators find answer to questions around social emotional topics and more.
In addition, unique learners might benefit from online support and tools. Below is a small snapshot of what has become available.
Best Free Social-Emotional Learning Sites & Apps
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Image AI generated Canva 2024 |
We need balance in all aspects of life. We have to help students find what works best for them, appreciating that this will look different for every individual. In-person connections and real-world strategies remain essential for social emotional learning and development. If we can also use AI to motivate and support our students, if AI can help them achieve their best self, shouldn't we explore the possibilities?
You might still be in elementary school but it’s never too early to think and talk about future job or career opportunities.
What is the difference between a job or career? A job, or occupation, is something you do to earn money. A career is a long-term occupation that you do that often requires special training or education.
Learn more about yourself!
Career Interest Quiz– A picture career interest survey
Interest Survey – Simple
Interest Survey- Detailed
Strengths Survey– For Older Students
Your career is not just a job; it’s a way to make a difference in the world.
Dare to dream big and work to achieve it.
Speaking and listening are critical life skills. Listening to podcasts, especially together, Starts dialogue and builds conversation skills. It keeps us curious and encourages questions and exploration of new ideas.
Podcasts as a replacement for Reading? NO, but as an engaging literacy support? YES. Listening carefully, developing voice, creating mind pictures and fostering creative thinking are complex reading skills. Podcasts also expose us to new words and phrases which builds vocabulary. all of this leading to children becoming readers.
How can podcasts support SEL? Communication, self-awareness, empathy, problem-solving, and self-control are all skills that typically fall under SEL. Listening to podcasts benefits children in the same ways that reading and thinking about good book does. Listening connect students to others who are like themselves, and also expose them to new people, places, experiences and ideas. Read Book Love for questions to help you talk about books (and podcasts!)Podcasts for Social Emotional Learning
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Accept challenges. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Admit you don't know the answe r, YET! We've had a great year, but It...