Management Matters. Social Emotional Learning in the Library

by Barbara E. McLeod, May 2021

Even before the pandemic we were concerned about the social and emotional needs of our students. Federal data suggested nearly half of all U.S. children had been exposed to at least one traumatic event and more than 20% had been exposed to several. As we continue to cope with a pandemic, racial and political unrest, and economic struggles, the concern is that the number of students experiencing trauma will be even higher.

Perhaps you've attended professional development or listened to a webinar where the need for social and emotional learning (SEL) was discussed. You returned to your libraries with good intentions. However, the how may have proved daunting as the daily routine began and the time to plan was at a minimum.

The first thing I recommend is for you to recognize that the SEL goals are and always have been in our librarian wheelhouse!

CASEL (https://casel.org/) defines SEL as the ability to understand and manage one's emotions, feel and show empathy for others, develop and keep positive relationships, and make good decisions.

Our AASL standards are aligned with those very goals.

The question isn't whether we can or should teach these skills, but how to begin now.

One of the most important things you can do is seek help from other professionals. Collaborate with your school counselors. Read educational articles, participate in webinars, and talk with colleagues. There are plenty of resources available. Meanwhile, there are steps you can take while you are still learning.

Start Small

Be intentional in your purpose and frequency. Incorporate these three SEL signature practices into every lesson.

1. Welcoming rituals. Make sure every student is engaged. Greet students by name as they enter. (See Maurice Elias's "Engaged Teaching" for more ideas.)
2. Engaging strategies. Try turn and talk, Jigsaw, and Socratic Seminar.
3. Optimistic Closure. Be sure to allow time for closure/reflection: Something I learned today, I'm looking forward to, Something I still wonder about.

Lesson Design

Start with SEL as you create new lessons and revise old ones. Ask yourself, "How is this lesson helping my students to fulfill one of the SEL goals?"

1. Design lessons that intentionally include opportunities for all students to be part of the conversation.
2. Model SEL competencies for your students. (See CASEL's "Modeling SEL for Students" https://schoolguide.casel.org/resource/modeling-sel-as-a-staff/.)
3. Share stories with guided discussion.

Maker Opportunities

Giving to others can bring healing to the giver. Consider these ideas I've seen in practice.

1. Make hats for those experiencing homelessness.
2. Make stuffed toys for kids in shelters.
3. Assemble snack packs for kids who haven't brought their own.
4. Create stress balls with balloons and sand.

Book Suggestions and Book Clubs

Bibliotherapy has been shown to be an effective way to help students understand and process difficult emotions. "When they recognize their thoughts and emotions in a work of fiction, or in a self-help book, it can help people to feel less alone," says Liz Brewster who studies bibliotherapy at Lancaster Medical School in Lancaster, England (Fraga 2018).

Provide Space to Talk

One of the most eye-opening books I've read recently is Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson. In the book the teacher gave her "special" students time to talk in a space all their own. With this time, the characters came to share their stories with one another and learned to empathize with one another.

Provide a space for students to talk freely: quiet corners in the library or breakout rooms in a virtual environment.

No matter where you are in implementing SEL into your practice, your efforts will be worth it. Giving your students opportunities to practice these skills and connect with their peers and a caring adult will go a long way in promoting a growth mindset that will bring success in school and in life. No matter what SEL strategies you choose to include in your library practice, know that it can and will make a difference! Be courageous.

Works Cited

Elias, Maurice J. "Engaged Teaching: 'Do Now' Activities for Your Lessons." Edutopia (June 5, 2013). https://www.edutopia.org/blog/engaged-teaching-do-now-activities-sel-lessons-maurice-elias

Fraga, Juli. "How Bibliotherapy Can Help Students Open Up About Their Mental Health." KQED MindShift (June 13, 2018). https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/50642/how-bibliotherapy-can-help-students-open-up-about-their-mental-health