SE L Insigh ts

We asked parents and students about their impressions on social emotional learning as they understand it and here is what they said:

Atoshi, Parent “In our generation, many people felt that they needed to always be feeling good on the outside even though they may be feeling differently on the inside. It is important for people to know that it is ok to talk about your feelings, what you need, and how others can help you."

Daniel, Grade 7 “Being a good friend is when you are there for each other when one is sad or upset. We help each other.”

George, Parent “Our daughter is an only child, so it is a growing experience for her to learn how to work with other kids. The other kid needs to be understood too; if they are saying ‘no’ to her, she needs to know where they are coming from and why they said ‘no.’”

Kainani, Grade 8 “Getting freaked out about a test or presentation isn’t good for you. You know the stuff; just be confident.”

Ethan, Grade 5 “Even a small act like holding the door for someone helps them feel good.”

Maya, Grade 5 “If I’m having a bad day, I have learned to channel my emotions into something else. I take deep breaths and refocus.”

Ryan, Grade 7 “When my friends help me out, it feels good, like when they grab my backpack for me so I’m not late for class.”

Mo, Parent "Being challenged academically and exposed to high level academics is important for our children, but I want my children to be able to get back up when they fall. They can get sad, or mad about whatever happened, reflect on their emotions and move on. That resilience and grit is so important for them to develop at this age."

Cordelia, Grade 6 “I am kind to myself when I don’t rush to class. Then I don’t get stressed.”

Meredith, Grade 8 “A person can learn to be kind, but he/she has to put in the effort.”

Sailee, Grade 5 “If a person learns to care for other people and is nice to them overall, then she will be treated with kindness and feel better.”

Laura Hathaway, Founder “All the intelligence in the world is inadequate and unsatisfying when you lack integrity, sensitivity to others, respect for yourself and a commitment to making a difference in the world.”