World Autism Day is celebrated annually on April 2; the observation of this day is a time to “Light it Up Blue” by showing awareness and concern for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autism is a spectrum, meaning there's not just one type of autism, but many subtypes. Each person with autism has a different set of strengths and challenges. Some people with autism may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support or can live independently. Autism can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. If you are a teacher with students who have autism in your classroom here are some tips for helping those students thrive in the classroom: 1. Avoid sensory overload. 2. Use visuals. 3. Be predictable. 4. Keep language concrete. 5. Directly teach social skills. 6. Treat students as individuals. 6 Tips for Teaching Students with Autism The following are ten ideas to use in the classroom to ensure students with autism feel included. 1. Learn about the learner from the learner. 2. Teach to fascinations. 3. Get them talking. 4. Give choices. 5. Consider handwriting alternatives. 6. Help with organizing. 7. Support transitions. 8. Create a comfortable classroom. 9. Take a break. 10. Include. Supporting Students with Autism: 10 Ideas for Inclusive Classrooms Here are a few resources for learning more about people with autism: The Importance of Peers in Inclusive Education for Individuals with ASD 9 Tips for Interacting with Individuals with Autism Free Online Webinars: Autism Education for Individuals, Parents, and Professionals
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Social emotional learning is important to students' academic success and future achievements. Teaching social and emotional skills takes a subtle approach to introduce topics daily in classroom activities. Use social emotional learning games to start the day, give students a break between academic lessons, or as a way to reflect on the school day.
Games, apps, and activities teach SEL to students in a way that's fun and interactive so sometimes they won't even know they're learning. Even games that don't overtly teach SEL skills can help students succeed with responsible decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Using digital games and apps create space for teachers to find more time throughout their day. While their students are learning important SEL skills and having fun, the teachers could be practicing self-care and mindfulness. Below you'll find resources for SEL activities, apps, and games for your students or children. Social-Emotional Learning Activities for Online Teaching Emotional Intelligence Apps and Games Using Digital Games for SEL Assessment and Skill Building The 5 Best Social Emotional Learning Apps for Teachers Using Games to Teach Social Emotional Skills 20 Evidence-Based Social Skills Activities and Games for Kids Peekapak SEL Curriculum and Games The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20 as a way to “recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.” The theme in 2021 for this observed celebration is “Happiness for All Forever.”
Consider these Sixteen steps for living a happy life starting right now. Read the article for an explanation of how these steps are proven to make your life more productive, successful, and happy. 1. Be committed. 2. Remember people care about you, not your success. 3. Be grateful every day. Gratefulness is linked to feeling better about your life, more enthusiasm, and the willingness to help others. Take time every day to journal or list grateful notes every day. 4. Take action. 5. Know money doesn’t buy happiness, although it can decrease stress and anxiety when your needs are met. 6. Don’t take rejection personally. 7. Have a backup plan. 8. Improve your social skills. 9. Travel, even if it's just to the next town over. 10. Don’t multitask. 11. Embrace a growth mindset – a way of thinking that thrives on challenges and views failures as growth and opportunity to strengthen abilities, rather than a result of unintelligence. 12. Balance work and life. 13. Don’t hold grudges. 14. Be Present in the moments. 15. Take care of yourself, then help others. There are seven remarkable powerful keys to happiness and success (according to science). To maintain happiness and success, remember to find happiness first, then focus on completing the goal second; there is importance behind refraining from goal-oriented happiness. Goal-oriented happiness is thinking that happiness is achieved after completing a goal, rather than finding joy throughout the process or journey. Seppala’s seven science-based ways to rediscover joy and grow more successful –
Recommended ways on how to be happy: 25 habits to add to your routine; practice these daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly habits by taking time to discover what does and doesn’t work for you. Daily Habits – smile, exercise, get plenty of rest, eat with mood in mind, be grateful, give a compliment, breathe deeply, acknowledge the unhappy moments, keep a journal, face stress head on. Weekly Habits – declutter, see friends, plan your week, ditch your phone, get into nature, explore meditation, consider counseling, find a self-care ritual. Monthly Habits – give back, take yourself out, create a thought list. Yearly Habits – take time to reflect, reevaluate goals, take care of your body, let go of grudges. This one is for the college students; 18 things you need to do to be happy in college!
Sometimes there is difficulty to balancing what’s best for children with what makes them happy, but know that what’s best and what makes them happy isn’t mutually exclusive. Here’s how to raise happy kids: 10 steps backed by science; read the article for an explanation of each step. Research shows that happier kids are more likely to turn into successful, accomplished adults.
The International Day of Happiness lists 10 steps to global happiness for 2021:
What makes you happy? | International Day of Happiness video, this video is a compilation of people around the world saying what makes them happy. The surprising science of happiness by Dan Gilbert TED Talk Since 1987, March is known as Women’s History Month as a month to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. This month of celebration grew from the original concept of International Women’s Day, that has been observed globally since March 8, 1911. Every year, Women’s History Month focuses on a new theme; this year, 2021, the designated theme for March is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” Below are Women's History Month Videos that will help you understand more about what it is and why we celebrate it. Gloria Steinem’s Advice to Young Women: Listen to Yourselves, Not to Me March is Women's History Month. Watch How it Progressed Through the Years First of Many – Women’s History Month 2021 TED Talk: To Future Generations of Women, You are the Roots of Change Iconic Women to Celebrate This Women’s History Month Events to Participate in to Celebrate Women’s History Month with The Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, and National Archives If you're looking to learn more about how you can empower and support all kinds of women, read the articles below: Empowering Her Empowers all of Us Women as Allies for Women: Understanding Intersectionality Social and Emotional Learning is Essential for Girls to Thrive Image from the University of Akron.
Trauma-Informed Care is an approach that assumes that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. It recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual's life. It's not used to treat symptoms or issues related to abuse or trauma, but rather to provide support services in a way that is accessible and appropriate.
When trauma occurs, it affects an individual's sense of self, their sense of others and their beliefs about the world. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma can help us avoid the possibility of re-traumatization. What IS trauma though? Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Each experience is different for each person; one experience may not be traumatizing for one individual, but it may be for another. Below is a list of Adverse Childhood Experiences that have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. ACEs: Emotional, verbal, physical, or sexual abuse Parental separation or divorce Substance abuse by household member Witness to domestic violence Household member with mental illness Neglect Incarcerated household member Toxic stress damages the structure and function of a child's developing brain according to neuroscientists and pediatricians at Harvard, Rockefeller University, and Child Trauma Academy. When children are overloaded with stress hormones, they're in fight, flight, or freeze mode. They can't learn in school, they often have difficult trusting adults, or developing healthy relationships with peers. Often they turn to drugs, alcohol, and other unhealthy habits to escape their problems. However, resilience research shows that the appropriate integration of resilience factors (asking for help, trusting relationships, forming a positive attitude, listening to feelings) can help people improve their lives. So what can we do? We can form a Trauma-Informed Care approach in the spaces we live and work. Below are resources that will help you under TIC more and apply it to your work or household. What is Trauma-Informed Care? - University of Buffalo Trauma-Informed School Trauma-Informed Classrooms and Transformational Schools Trauma-Informed Parenting Parenting a Child Who Has Experienced Trauma How to Cope with Traumatic Events Like Coronavirus What's Your ACE Score? While Black History Month is coming to an end, there's opportunity for growth and to learn about Black History and how to be anti-racist throughout the year. Anti-racism is defined as the policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance. There are many ways to practice anti-racism such as supporting Black-owned businesses (Birmingham Black-owned businesses are linked below), voting for people who are also anti-racist, and having courageous conversations with friends and family.
Below are resources for educators, kids, and anyone interested in becoming Anti-Racist. Anti-Racism Resources for Educators, Students, and Citizens Race and Equity Initiative Anti-Racism Resources Let's Grow Kids: Anti-Racism Resources 12 Books For Adults About Anti-Racism And Activism 21-Day Anti-Racism Challenge TED Talks to help you understand racism in America 17 Black-owned Businesses to Support in Birmingham 17 Black-owned Restaurants in Birmingham Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated annually on February 17.
Small gestures of kindness are known to brighten other people’s days. The link below has 100 examples of Random Acts to show kindness to strangers, non-profits, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, friends and loved ones. 100 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas Being kind means being aware of those around you and actively helping those in need. A nice comment, a smile, opening the door, giving honest compliments, and refusing to gossip are common examples of what it means to practice kindness. There are many ways to integrate kindness in the classroom and the following links have resources, lessons, and ideas to teach students about the importance of kindness with multiple illustrations on how to practice kindness. Random Acts of Kindness for Educators Teaching Kindness in the Classroom by Celebrating the Small Things Creating a Culture of Kindness in Your Classroom 10 Kindness Lessons and Activities for Elementary School Kindness in the Classroom Curriculum Video Below are links to articles that link kindness with health. Practicing kindness is an awesome experience for those around us, but there are multiple personal benefits one may experience from the act of kindness. The Importance of Kindness The Heart and Science of Kindness - Harvard Click here to visit the link to a TED Talk by Rita Pierson. Throughout the video, she speaks on the value and importance of human connection in education and how she builds her students’ self-esteem and academic achievement at the same time.
Relationship Skills is one of five components that make up the CASEL’s Model of SEL. Relationship skills is best defined as the ability to build positive relationships with diverse groups or individuals by utilizing active listening, communication, and conflict resolutions skills. According to Greater Good in Education relationship skills include – initiating contact with others and forming a friendship, appropriately sharing one’s thoughts and feelings, communicating effectively, developing positive relationships, demonstrating cultural humility, practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving, resolving conflicts constructively, approaching relationships with respect, withstanding negative social pressure, resisting stereotypes, standing up in support for others, showing leadership, seeking or offering support and help when needed. A positive, healthy friendship among students, coworkers, parents, children, and peers is focused on the practice and implementation of trust, equality, compassion, honesty, and independence. Below are resources for Make a Friend Day: 5 Requirements for a Strong Friendship SEL for Students: Social Awareness and Relationship Skills 10 Friendship Skills Every Kid Needs 10 Ways to Make (and Keep) Friendships as an Adult Friendship and SEL Activities for the Classroom: Character Development: Being a Good Friend Teaching Friendship in the Classroom Friendship Jeopardy Lesson Plans to Teach Friendship Black History Month is celebrated annually during the month of February. Black History Month is celebrated to highlight the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans. appreciate their culture, and reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice. Black History Month has greatly evolved from 1926, when this celebration was a week-long previously known as Negro History Week introduced by Carter G. Woodson (aka the "Father of Black History"). February 1st is also National Freedom Day, the anniversary of the approval of the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in 1865.
In the classroom, while Black History Month is important, aim to reinforce that ‘Black History’ is American History. Many schools teach from Black history from a white-centered perspective, rather than tell the entire story. It is important to have truth in the classroom, as well difficult conversations about race. These conversations can build trust and respect if facilitated accurately. There are multiple websites linked below with activities to use in the classroom specifically for Black History Month, and ways to include Black history in the curriculum year-round. The theme for Black History Month 2021 is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, & Diversity.” Here are seven guiding principles for educators to explore when teaching Black history (recommended by LaGarrett J. King, an associate professor of social studies education at the University of Missouri):
6 Teaching Tools for Black History Month 33 Black History Month Activities for February and Beyond 20 pertinent classroom resources for Black History Month Black History Month Activities for Classrooms (Grades K-12) Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Lesson Plans for K-12 students
Inspire your Heart with Art Day is celebrated on January 31st and was created to celebrate all forms of art and to think about the way art has an effect on our emotions.
According to a report from the Consortium on School Research at the University of Chicago and Ingenuity, social-emotional skills are an integral part of arts education, and arts instruction is a vehicle for addressing SEL in schools. In other words, arts education is an essential part of a child's education. Children and adults can benefit from creating art, and you don't have to be an artist or good at art to do it! It also encourages creative thinking and enhances problem-solving skills. Below are some resources for SEL and Art: 5 SEL Lessons That Actually Work with Secondary Students SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC USE OF ARTS Social Emotional Learning and the Arts | Institute for Arts Integration |
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