Norms vs. RulesNORMS

• We will talk nicely to one another.

• We will treat one another with respect.

• We will include one another.

• We will help one another.• We will solve problems

fairly.

RULES• Always walk in the

classroom.• One person speaks at a

time.• Use indoor voices when in

the classroom.

2

Promoting empathy and compassion - strategies

Explicitly teach SEL Skills and infuse into curriculum

How can we integrate SEL with academic learning?

• In literature, bring attention to the social and emotional skills of characters.

• In history, discuss the social and emotional skills that helped people achieve great things.

• In math, encourage student to communicate clearly about how they solved a problem, then listen carefully to how others solved it.

• In the arts, so many possibilities!

"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness, and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." -Emma Goldman

Be aware of children’s capacity for sympathy and empathy

Show you care

Demonstrate caring to othersAcknowledge your mistakes with your children (e.g., say “I am sorry”).Show forgiveness to others and your child.

Note that children will learn more from your actions than from your words.

Talk about the good feelings that come from helping others.Talk about times that you help others.

Methods to Encourage Development of Children’s Empathy

(Schulman & Mekler, 1985)

Draw the child's attention to people's feelings. Ask the child to imagine how he or she would feel in the other person's place.

Let the child know what the impact of his or her actions is on the feelings of others, including yourself.

Explain why people feel the way they do. Make clear (or encourage the child to discover) what

actions he or she can take that would be more considerate to the feelings of others.

Enhancing Emotional Literacy…

Direct TeachingIndirect TeachingUse of Songs and GamesHow would you feel if…?Checking InUse of Children’s Literature

Direct Teaching of Feeling Vocabulary

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Provide emotional labels as children

experience various affective states

Indirect Teaching

On Monday When

it Rained

Glad MonsterSad Monster

Have You Filled A Bucket Today?

Book Examples…