Supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) in the elementary classroom is a key component in helping students in understanding themselves and the world around them. It is inevitable that societal issues will find a way into the classroom and this guide provides some guidelines for how to embrace courageous conversations. The key components to consider when engaging students in discussion and activities is to support students in the following:
These core strategies have been critical in the work of responsive teachers. Acknowledging your own biases is important to finding resources to support your classroom. It is not easy work but it is most definitely important work. When tensions arise the most important strategies to embrace are to
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Teacher Moves |
What It May Look Like In the Classroom |
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Establish Nurturing Space for Students to Express Ideas & Thoughts (Civic Space) |
Acknowledge the issue |
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Seek to clarify student comments-Give students a chance to explain the thought process behind a remark (“What do you mean by X?” or “I heard you saying Y; is that what you meant to say?”) or (“Do you want to try saying that differently?” And then, perhaps, “Let’s talk about why that statement felt so problematic.”). |
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Try to depersonalize the issue to help minimize defensiveness. Ask for additional possible points of view |
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Find common ground. (“I hear that you both care deeply about achieving X, but you have strong opinions about how to get there”) |
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Establish Norms for Discussions |
Remind students of your discussion or participation guidelines. Guide students to reflect individually and/or collectively |
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Use Writing as a Means of Process Associated Emotions |
Invite students to journal reflections quietly, or take a few deep breaths. For younger students, invite them to draw or color as a means of processing emotions. |
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Use A Balance of Credible Texts to Ground The Thinking |
Find a way to connect the issue to course topics or learning goals. Teachable moments are everywhere!. |
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Always Follow Up
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Check in outside of class with the students most directly involved in the issue. Connect with your own support network, especially if you felt targeted or personally affronted by the issue. |
Facilitating a Discussion About the January 6th Electoral College Confirmation Hearings
Primary Grades K-2- Kindness Matters
Intermediate Grades 3-5- Children As Changemakers
Secondary Grades 6-12-Youth As Changemakers
