Literacy and SEL
Contributing Editor: Amy Hildenbrand, Director of Publications at CRS
Throughout our lives, stories send us on all kinds of journeys: daring adventures, grand explorations for hidden treasure, discoveries of forgotten memories, and moments of quiet reflection. Cherished characters take us along with them as they confront dragons, make unexpected friendships, travel to new and distant lands, lose loved ones, and then find their way home. As we transition from childhood to adulthood, these stories stay with us, guiding us through our personal trials to triumph just like our favorite heroes. We remember the beloved books that made us laugh and cry, provided solace, and called us to action as they remind us that we can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Our favorite books and characters are as varied as ourselves, but their impact is universal and cannot be denied.
In this issue, we explore and define social-emotional literacy, discover the importance of picture books, and learn how graphic novels are more than a novelty. These insights are tools you can use on your SEL journey and may even provide you with the gift of time. Be sure to check out our “In the Field” interview with two extraordinary teachers who share their stories and experiences of how literature and SEL instruction impacted their lives and the lives of their students. Enjoy the journey!
Articles in this Issue
Bring SEL to Life for Young Students Through Picture Books
Early elementary students are just beginning to learn the social and emotional skills that will carry them through life—and nearly every interaction can be an opportunity to practice. In addition…
SEL and Literacy: A Natural Fit
The high pressure of standardized testing is often cited as a barrier for the implementation of SEL practices in schools due to the constraints of time. However, a cognitive-only approach…
The Gift of Time: Embedding SEL Skills Practice Within the English Language Arts Class
According to a 2017 study for the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), teachers and administrators believe that teaching social-emotional skills is critical to help their students be…
Harnessing the Power of Visual Storytelling
With screen technology becoming ubiquitous at home, school, work, and everywhere else, our world is increasingly visually oriented. The definition of literacy itself is being expanded to include the ability…
In the Field: Educators Share Thoughts on SEL and Literacy
To see how SEL and literacy work together in practice, Sarah Fillion, Director of Consulting and Certification for Center for Responsive Schools (CRS), spoke with Tracey Tierney and Kimberly Eisman.…