Page 33 - EdViewptsSpring2021

Establishing a Whole School

Approach to Building Relationships

With Students Through Social and

Emotional Learning and Culturally

Responsive Practices

By Hope Wilkins, Vice Principal, Livingston Elementary School

Social and Emotional the importance of including our community, Social and Emotional
Learning (SEL) enhances students' cultural references Learning is just done in vain. Without
providing opportunities to practice
students’ capacity to in- in all aspects of learning, the skills that foster positive attitudes,
tegrate skills, attitudes, enriching classroom experi- behaviors, and thinking processes, it will
be impossible to build relationships that
and behaviors to deal ef- ences and keeping students include students’ cultural references.
fectively and ethically with engaged. There were three direct goals of
daily tasks and challenges There is a need for both to be this journey. The first goal was to
create a shared understanding
whereas, culturally respon- acknowledged and emphasized of SEL competencies (Voice and
within a school climate. Without taking
sive teaching recognizes a proactive approach to building Agency). The second goal was to
assist teachers in implementing
relationships with our students and
consistent SEL instruction
Educational Viewpoints -31- Spring 2021