Project EXSEL --Teachers Resource Room

How is EXSEL implemented in class? What are the procedures? top
An EXSEL lesson infuses SEL skills into a literacy and/or social studies lesson. An SEL skill is taught, practiced and then reinforced using a book that draws upon an academic and SEL lesson. Many teachers find "read aloud" to be a natural time for this to take place.

What should a teacher do if an EXSEL lesson doesn't work out as planned? top
It is always important for teachers to reflect on how the lesson went, including what they feel worked and what could have been done differently. As with any academic lesson, there can be several reasons why it didn't go as planned. The SEL skill may be difficult for the level of the particular students and may need more practice and reinforcement. The teacher's comfort level with the SEL skill being taught will also influence the lesson's outcome. While it is important to try to reach the lesson's objective, it can sometimes be beneficial for the teacher to remain flexible and let the class take the lesson in a different direction. This can still lead to valuable SEL learning.

How can a teacher encourage parental involvement in an EXSEL lesson? top
Teachers can inform parents in the beginning of the year that SEL is an integral part of their classroom. Keep them updated by sending home letters about the skills that the class is working on. Teachers are encouraged to assign the home and family connection part of an EXSEL lesson. Assigning this for homework gets parents involved in having their child practice these skills with them at home.

How can EXSEL help with class management and climate? top
EXSEL lessons teach social and emotional skills that help students manage their feelings, communicate more effectively with one another, and make good decisions. Addressing these issues and making the classroom the place for these kinds of discussions and activities, sets a tone that can create a more caring classroom environment.

Who will do/prepare/help with the lesson plan? top
The teachers will prepare the lesson so that SEL skills can be incorporated into their existing curriculum. School counselors can provide assistance and additional resources to help prepare the lessons and can sometimes model or co-facilitate a lesson with the teacher.

How much time is an EXSEL lesson going to take in a day? top
It depends on the length and complexity of the unit or the lesson. Some lessons are short and can be finished in one class period, while other lessons are longer and will take addition class periods to complete. This depends on whether the book is a picture or chapter book, and how complex or difficult it is for the students to master the skill.

How often does an EXSEL lesson need to happen? top
EXSEL lessons should take place once a week. However, the SEL skill taught in the lessons needs to be reinforced on an ongoing basis. Teachers can take advantage of "teachable moments" to deepen the understanding of SEL skills.

Are EXSEL lessons related to academic subjects? How? top
EXSEL lessons incorporate SEL into existing literacy and social studies curriculum. An example of how it can be infused can be shown in that an academic goal could be for a student to make a text-to-self connection. An EXSEL lesson can deepen the academic goal by examining a character's motivation, decision-making or problem-solving ability, comparing it with their own style, and then teaching the students a skill that can enhance these abilities.

How do teachers find teachable moments for SEL? top
Teachers need to focus on their own self-awareness first in order to be able to reflect on their own feelings and to be in tune with the social and emotional needs of the class. Teachers act as powerful social and emotional models for their students, therefore the way they act and react to situations that arose, teaches students more than simply telling them how they "should" act. Try to focus on positive social and emotional moments rather than only correcting the negative.

Do my students need SEL? How can they benefit from it? top
SEL skills need to be taught in a proactive and preventative way, rather than reacting to problems after they occur. Students that are aware of their feelings, have learned how to manage them, can understand others perspectives, and can make good decisions, especially when faced with a problem, are in a better position to be able to focus on learning.