Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning Grades 3–5
Katia S. Petersen, Ph.D.
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In Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning, hundreds of user-friendly lesson plans help teachers build attitudes of respect and caring, reduce problem behaviors, empower students to solve problems, and educate the whole child socially, emotionally, and academically. The lessons’ literature-based connections allow teachers to “build in” rather than “add on” social-emotional learning (SEL) as part of the daily curriculum. The four teacher resources in the Safe & Caring Schools® series can also be implemented as a schoolwide preK–8 program. Each resource guide offers:
- Monthly themes focused on emotions, empathy, relationships, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, and self-esteem
- Easy-to-implement lesson formats for all activities: Read, Discuss, Do, Relate
- Literature-based lessons with curriculum integrations for using the lessons as part of language arts, social studies, science, math, art, and music
- Built-in assessments
- Reproducible activity handouts in the book and on CD-ROM
- Grade-grouped materials (PreK–K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–5, Grades 6–8) include helpful tips for organizing a schoolwide program
- Available staff training, contact help4kids@freespirit.com
The Grades 3–5 resource guide, like all the other Safe & Caring Schools volumes, is structured to be student-centered. The 100+ activities create opportunities for students to ask questions, discuss their interests, and find out what motivates them to get along with others. The lessons help students improve their social skills and use them as they practice teambuilding, communication techniques, deal with friendship issues, and express their feelings in appropriate ways. The materials can be used in an individual classroom, across a grade level, or throughout the entire school. Key concepts:
- Me and my safe and caring school—rules and our classroom community
- Discovering our feelings—what can I do when I get angry
- My support system—give and take, compassion, and friendships
- Respect yourself and others—good manners, honesty, equality, and inclusion
- Bullying—mean words hurt, kidding vs. teasing, and getting help
- Teaming up for success—responsibility, leadership, and sharing
- Conflict resolution—listening skills, attitude matters, and using a Stop, Think, Choose process
- The power to choose—making positive and wise choices, consequences of choices, and being fair
- Follow your dreams—heroes, perseverance, and mobilizing your dreams
Field-tested in classrooms across the United States, the Safe & Caring Schools system when fully implemented has resulted in improved school climate, greater parent engagement, increased academic achievement, and reduction in discipline referrals. The teacher resources support the standards from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) for the infusion of social and emotional learning into the classroom. Those key competencies are: Awareness of Self and Others, Positive Attitudes and Values, Responsible Decision Making, and Social Interaction Skills. In addition, the material correlates with standards for social studies, language arts, health, and other areas of the curriculum.
The Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning teacher resources are essential tools for all preK–8 teachers.
“I’m able to integrate Safe & Caring Schools through read-alouds, and connecting the story we read to a child’s own life. It’s really become the central part of my classroom. And I feel as though the children as a result have developed better bonds between each other and a better understanding of each other.”—Elementary teacher
View where you can purchase the eBook.
208 pages, illustrated, softcover, 8½" x 11", Grades 3–5, ISBN 978-1-57542-393-7
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“In order to maximize the educational experience, a student must feel safe and worthwhile. This book is a complete and comprehensive guide for educators on creating an ideal environment for children to learn. With advice on mixing in social and emotional education alongside academic curriculum, this is an ideal guide to helping students make the most of themselves, both now and later in life. A top pick for any educator and for community library education collections.”—Library Bookwatch: The Education Shelf
“The series, organized in age-appropriate guides for preK–K, 1–2, 3–5 and 6–8, includes practical activities and a literature foundation, making it easy for teachers to infuse social and emotional learning throughout the day.”—PaperClip Communications’ Curriculum Review
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the use of conflict resolution skills among our students, a reduction in the number of inappropriate behaviors leading to disciplinary action, a noticeable change in school culture, and more parent awareness of appropriate social skills and emotional literacy skills.”
—Assistant Superintendent
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Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning Grades 1–2
Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning Grades 6–8
Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning PreK–K
No Kidding About Bullying
The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts
The New Bully Free Classroom®