SEL

During the Responsive Classroom workshop I gained a lot of insight into the different approaches to teaching and learning which help focus on academic success and SEL skills. These practices are crucial in a child's development as they support skills such as cooperation, empathy, perseverance and successful academic behaviors. This experience informed my teaching and encouraged me to utilize these practices in my every day teaching. I really enjoyed learning more about the different types of teacher language (envisioning, redirecting, reminding, reinforcing), and knowing how/when to use this language in response to my students can promote connection and a gained sense of understanding between myself and my students. When I am able to reiterate expectations and communicate in clear, consistent ways that are positive in nature and encourage growth, my students may feel heard and respected. The key to responsiveness is leaning into the diversity of my students and supporting each of them individually and as a whole to build community and make academic learning a joyful experience. Something we are constantly striving for at Burke's. Many of the practices I learned are clearly reflected in my lead teachers work in the classroom which helps me develop these skills as I follow in their lead and learn from their example. I also learned about the Responsive Classroom website which has a plethora of great resources for educators to look out. https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/