Tag: SEL

Jun
30

This Could Not Have Been An Email: Social Emotional Learning Makes Meetings Meaningful

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 11:38pm

A common complaint heard after many work meetings is, “This could have been an email”. For Expanded Learning providers participating in Tacoma’s Whole Child partnership under COVID-19 conditions, virtual team meetings have been something they actually look forward to.  After 3 years of providing programs on-site at 12 elementary schools across Tacoma, Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) had to shift to an online format under COVID-19 conditions. This meant that ELO providers wouldn’t see > Continue Reading

Oct
8

The Legacy of Mr. Rogers In Tacoma’s Whole Child Virtual Expanded Learning

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 2:21pm

For more than 30 years Mister Rogers used his groundbreaking PBS television show to make a personal connection with millions of children.  Speaking directly into the camera, he invited his viewers to join him in learning new things, playing together, and reflecting on what it means to be a good “neighbor”.  “Expanded Learning Opportunities have always provided a unique space for students to make connections with each other and with a caring adult.”  Building on > Continue Reading

May
14

Social Emotional Learning Helps Kids Navigate COVID-19 Disruptions

Filed Under: Expanded Learning,PIERCE COUNTY CONNECTED,Vibrant Community - Posted @ 1:17pm

Sharing is usually something adults encourage kids to practice. That’s why Tess Guerrero understood how strange it sounded when she explained to a student that they couldn’t share their supplies because of safety measures due to COVID-19. “I don’t want to hear one more thing about this virus!” the student exclaimed. Tess said the student’s > Continue Reading

Mar
11

Parents See the Difference Caring Adults Make for Their Students

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 3:44pm

Members of the Vision Step team at Edison Elementary School marched into the cafeteria as they wrapped up their after-school step dance session on a recent afternoon. As the girls waited for their rides to arrive, Codi Scharry and Danielle Bryant, parents of team members, handed out Rice Krispy treats to everyone. “I bring snacks > Continue Reading

Jan
9

Simple Strategies Help Students (and Adults) Move Through Challenging Emotions

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 3:16pm

An easy way to soothe stress is right at your fingertips. Using your forefinger, slowly draw a sideways figure 8 in the air. Breathe in as you move your finger to the right. Breathe out as your finger closes the loop. Repeat drawing the figure with the breaths as many times as it takes to > Continue Reading

Nov
14

20 Minutes Can Make All The Difference For Students In Expanded Learning

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 2:18pm

When school lets out at Tacoma’s Birney Elementary, Sergio Beltran can be found outside the cafeteria greeting students as they head into Expanded Learning at the All-Star Center. On a recent Thursday, Sergio noticed one student looked a little down as he entered the space. Sergio took a few minutes right away to talk one-on-one > Continue Reading

Jul
11

Expanded Learning Opportunites Lead to Growth for Students and the Adults Who Work With Them

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 11:01am

Students and parents from 12 Elementary Schools in Tacoma celebrated a school year worth of Expanded Learning Opportunities with an event at Edison Elementary on May 30.  The students showcases their learning through art, dance, writing, and song. Parents noticed the difference these Expanded Learning Opportunities made for their kids.  “My son has always been > Continue Reading

Jun
12

Local Boys Help Each Other Grow in “The Gent Way” Through Tacoma Gents

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 4:06pm

With a stack of pepperoni pizzas sitting on the cafeteria table in front of them, a group of boys from Tacoma’s Birney Elementary School waited patiently while two other boys meticulously counted out the number of pieces available. Then, the young men of the Tacoma Gents after school program worked together to evenly distribute the slices > Continue Reading

Apr
10

Failure is a Necessity for Youth in Alchemy’s Skate In School Program

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 10:28am

As his knee hit the ground, Alex Miles quickly tucked and rolled from forearm to shoulder, immediately popping up to his feet and right back onto his skateboard.  “I don’t really get that frustrated anymore when I fall,” Alex said, ” I’m just used to it now.” Alex is one of a few students learning > Continue Reading

Mar
7

KBTC Uses Marbles, Paint, and Dr. Seuss to Make After-school Science Fun

Filed Under: Expanded Learning - Posted @ 10:42am

On a recent afternoon at Jennie Reed Elementary School,  first-grader Sadie’Sade was one of about a dozen students using a tray filled with paint and marbles to try to create a picture.  As she rocked the tray back and forth she said,  “I like it because it’s fun!”  But the activity was more than just > Continue Reading