Exploring Social Emotional Learning at SNACS
At Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of the curriculum and school culture, designed to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills among students. Research has shown that positive social behavior is one of the greatest predictors of academic success. The better our connections are with each other, the more we will thrive in other areas of our life.
For over 25 years, our tuition-free charter school has continued our commitment to SEL, providing a nurturing and progressive educational environment. Our small and engaged school prepares students for their next steps in life — both academically and socially.
To learn more about SEL at Sierra Nevada Academy Charter, we sat down with Mr. Vass, the Dean of Students and Special Education Director at SNACS. Mr. Vass shared great insight into Social Emotional Learning that takes place among our elementary and middle school.
What Does SEL Look Like at SNACS?
In our SNACS elementary school classrooms, SEL focuses on foundational skills such as recognizing and managing emotions, building empathy, and developing basic problem-solving abilities. Our age-appropriate activities are often interactive with storytelling, role-playing, and group discussions. Twice a day SNACS students take part in whole class restorative circle activities where they build bonds and rapport with their peers. These circles reinforce the SEL lessons that are being taught in the classroom.
In our middle school classrooms, SEL expands to address more complex social dynamics and emotional challenges. The curriculum includes advanced topics like conflict resolution, stress management, and responsible decision-making. Middle school students engage in deeper reflections, peer mediation exercises, and leadership opportunities to apply their SEL skills in real-world scenarios.
Enhancing SEL with Choice
Choice Boards are a valuable tool at SNACS that enhance social emotional learning by providing students with autonomy and personalized learning opportunities. They allow students to select activities that resonate with their interests and needs, promoting engagement and motivation.
The flexibility of Choice Boards encourages students to take ownership of their learning, practice decision-making skills, and explore diverse social emotional learning competencies. Activities on Choice Boards can range from mindfulness exercises, collaborative projects, to creative expression, all of which support different aspects of social and emotional development.
Integrated SEL
Social emotional learning is both a dedicated part of our schedule and seamlessly integrated into daily activities. We have specific times allocated for SEL lessons where students participate in structured activities and restorative circles designed to build their social and emotional competencies. Social Emotional Learning principles are woven throughout the day in all interactions and classroom activities. Teachers and staff consistently model and reinforce these skills during academic lessons, recess, and other school routines, ensuring that SEL is a continuous, lived experience for our students.
We employ restorative practices to address and resolve issues. This approach focuses on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and promoting a supportive school community. Key steps include:
- Dialogue Circles: We facilitate dialogue circles where all parties involved in the conflict can express their perspectives and feelings in a safe and structured environment
- Mediation: Trained staff members or peer mediators guide students through a mediation process to help them understand each other’s viewpoints and collaboratively find a resolution
- Reflective Activities: Students engage in reflective activities to consider the impact of their actions and develop strategies for making positive choices in the future
- Follow-up: We ensure ongoing support and check-ins to monitor the resolution’s effectiveness and reinforce positive behavior changes
We are Committed to SEL
Our commitment to social emotional learning sets us apart as a nurturing and progressive educational environment. Here’s why families choose Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School:
- Holistic Development: Our SEL program is designed to develop the whole child, emphasizing emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience alongside academic achievement
- Individualized Support: We recognize and cater to the unique social and emotional needs of each student, providing personalized support to help them thrive
- Inclusive and Safe Environment: SNACS fosters a safe and inclusive school culture where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed
- Restorative Practices: Our commitment to restorative practices ensures that conflicts are resolved constructively, promoting a positive school community and strong interpersonal Relationships
- Engaging Learning Opportunities: Through tools like Choice Boards, we offer dynamic and engaging SEL activities that allow students to explore and develop their social and emotional skills in meaningful ways
By enrolling at SNACS, students gain access to a comprehensive Social Emotional Learning program that prepares them not only for academic success but also for a fulfilling and balanced life. Don’t miss a day at SNACS. Enroll today for the 2024-25 school year.