Activating Meaningful Conversations
with Strong Foundations:
SEL Today and Everyday 

As part of a whole child model of teaching, learning and caring, ALL4SC - Accelerating Learning & Leadership for South Carolina – believes evidence based SEL strategies are fundamental for all students, teachers, families and communities. 
 
October’s SEL newsletter invites everyone to continue adding to their SEL toolbox with the skills, behaviors and attitudes that promote positive learning and social environments. As the 2021 - 2022 school year continues to be a unique one for everyone, making mental health a priority will be crucial. 

Harmony Third Edition and Inspire 3.0:
A Look into the Exciting New Updates 

Both Harmony and Inspire are focused on continuously improving their portals to align with the latest in SEL and enhancing support for student and educator social and emotional development. Below is an overview of the latest updates for Harmony Third Edition and plans for the 2022 modules.  

Check back to the blogs and news page for continued updates of the upcoming enhancements. The current edition of Harmony will remain available in the Online Learning Portal to help make the transition to Harmony Third Edition as easy as possible. 

Register here for free access to all online portals.

A Quick Connection Card to
Kick Start the Day

As part of an Everyday Practice activity, quick connection cards offer educators the unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and activities with the whole classroom. Students can connect with each other and share in ways that embrace supportive community building, collaboration and conversations. Two examples below illustrate ideas that educators can work into the Meet Up and Buddy Up sessions of the day.

    

To view all the cards and access print-friendly versions, visit the Harmony portal (requires login and includes free access to all resources and materials).

SEL Lesson Snapshot - Engaging in Conversation 

Activity suggestion for the classroom: 
Visit the Harmony Portal Dashboard and go to Grades 1 & 2. Click on Unit 3 Communication > 3.2 – Engaging in Conversation > Activity – Conversation Can.

Begin by reading “The Dog From Outer Space” located in the Harmony portal. After reading, students can discuss the idea of conversation and the ways that they can participate in it. The lesson highlights conversation makers vs conversation breakers. 
 

Next, students can brainstorm ways that they can appropriately converse with friends, families and individuals. Lastly, students can make a mind map to highlight the different conversations they can have about a topic. An example of a mind map that could be used is pictured below. 
 

To view the full lesson and supplemental materials, visit the Harmony portal (requires login and includes free access to all resources and materials).

On-Demand Learning and Professional Development Opportunities: Webinars to Fit Every Educator’s Needs   

Each month, Harmony and Inspire host free webinars that focus on key topics to promote effective professional development and social emotional learning. The recording and slide decks remain accessible through the portals after the webinar.
 
Additionally, the portals provide a library of on-demand webinars to support educators and leaders and help them continue to build knowledge about the value and implementation of SEL strategies and practices.
 
Check out some of the most recent webinars available in the library, or click the title and watch now from the list below!

1. Cultivating Joyous and Just Educational Spaces for All
2. Supporting School and Teacher Leaders to Rebuild Community Through Harmony
3. Rebuilding Our Communities: Harmony and Inspire Resources for Student and Educator Support

 Resource Hub

• Seven Strategies for Embracing the Emotional Labor of Teaching 
• Resources for Promoting Social and Emotional learning at Home
• 5 Strategies for Teaching SEL to Teenagers

 Thoughts or Questions?