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Social-Emotional Learning in A–Z for Mat Man® and Me
Appendix: Social-Emotional Learning Name:
SEL is woven into the Student Letter Books and Meaning Making lessons as children read, think, talk, and write or draw about five key SEL habits. These five habits are grounded in the CASEL core competencies and offer common language and understanding for students, teachers, and families. Student Letter Books • In each story, the main character faces a problem. As the character works through the problem, children see examples of how a habit can manifest in everyday situations. • Figuring Out Feelings: There are two questions in the back of every book focused on the habit identified for the story. One question is based on the text and one is based on children’s experiences. Teacher’s Guide: Lesson • A brief SEL activity following every Meaning Making lesson extends learning and builds oral language skills, with the key habits in mind. Teacher’s Guide: Practice • Go to pp. 196–200 of this teacher’s guide for reproducible graphic organizers. Use them to connect the habits to the Student Letter Book story.
Teaching the Five SEL Habits
Use these child-friendly definitions to introduce each habit to students, and continue to use this language throughout the year.
Appendix: Social-Emotional Learning Name:
Problem Solving
Draw a picture of the problem in the story. Then, draw a picture of the solution. Problem Name: Understanding Feelings
Circle all the feelings the character has in the story.
Appendix: Social-Emotional Learning
Name:
Persistence
Kindness Appendix: Social-Emotional Learning
Name:
Does the character show kindness to a person, an animal, or to the Earth? Circle your answer.
Appendix: Social-Emotional Learning Cooperation
Draw a picture of characters who show cooperation. Then, draw a picture of what they do together.
Draw a picture of what the character wants in the top box. Then, draw two pictures showing what the character does to get it. Draw a picture of how the character shows kindness.
Solution
Choose one feeling. Then, draw a picture of when the character had this feeling in the story.
Bonus!
Write about the character who has a problem in the story.
has a problem. Bonus! Write about how the character feels. Bonus!
What does the character want? Write about it.
On the back of the page, write or draw about a time you solved a problem.
196 A–Z for Mat Man® and Me Teacher’s Guide : Appendix © 2022 Learning Without Tears feels . wants
On the back of the page, write or draw about a time you had the same feeling.
© 2022 Learning Without Tears A–Z for Mat Man® and Me Teacher’s Guide : Appendix 197 Bonus!
Bonus! Write about two characters who show cooperation in the story. Write about the character who shows kindness.
and
On the back, write or draw about a time you were kind. 200 A–Z for Mat Man® and Me Teacher’s Guide : Appendixshow cooperation. On the back, write or draw about a time you showed cooperation.
© 2022 Learning Without Tears .
A–Z for Mat Man® and Me Teacher’s Guide : Appendix 199 is kind.
© 2022 Learning Without Tears
On the back, write or draw about a time you really wanted something and what you did to get it.
198 A–Z for Mat Man® and Me Teacher’s Guide : Appendix © 2022 Learning Without Tears
Habit Child-Friendly Definition Background CASEL Alignment Student Book
Problem Solving
I can come up with a plan or join a plan when there is a problem so I can get to a solution. Problem solving is the ability to think about a problem and find solutions. When people solve problems, they show a willingness to think creatively, trying out a variety of options based on the resources available to achieve a desired goal. Social CASEL: Self-Management; Relationship Skills • Ben and the Big Bagels • Feng, Finn, and the Fan • Gabby and Her Goat • Oz and the Octopus • Quinn and the Quilt • Sam in the Sun
Understanding Feelings
I can understand my own feelings and recognize other people’s feelings. Understanding feelings is the ability to accurately recognize our own and others’ emotions and thoughts. When people understand feelings, they think about how feelings influence behavior. They might ask for or offer help based on this understanding Emotional CASEL: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness • Ally and the Apple • Emma and Her Elephant • Lola and the Lock • Mac and the Magnificent Masks • Paco and the Piano • Tere and the Tomato
Persistence I can keep going and keep trying, even when something is hard. Persistence is the ability to face a challenge and stick with it. When people show persistence, they show a willingness to try something and keep trying, even when it’s hard.
Cooperation I can work with others, and I can be part of a team. Cooperation is the ability to work well with others. When people cooperate, they communicate and get along well with others so they can coordinate efforts to complete a task.
Kindness I can think about how others feel, and I can do things to help others. Kindness is the ability to show empathy, caring, and compassion for others. When people show kindness, they value relationships and try to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world. Emotional CASEL: Responsible Decision Making
Social CASEL: Relationship Skills
Social CASEL: Self-Awareness, Social Awareness • Cora and the Coconut • Ikiaq and the Igloo • Nell and the Nest • Rex and the Rake
• Jana, Jen, and the Jellyfish • Vic, Val, and the Vacuum • Wes and the Watermelon • Yolanda and the Yo-Yo
• Dax and the Dolphin • Hana Has a Hammer • Kaya and the Kayak • Umberto and the Umbrella • Xavier Gets an X-ray • Zack and His Zipper
