Creating Social and Emotional Learning Environments

This book truly resonated with me. As a former teacher and administrator, and current educational consultant, I found Dr. Cranston's book to be filled with opportunities for self-reflection, practical strategies, insight regarding crucial issues such as addressing equity through the lens of opportunity gaps. The SEL Spotlights throughout the book provide testimonials from educators in the trenches, which I found to be validating and informative. Every educator should read this book!

Attending school is one experience that all of us share. For many, it is the defining experience that will impact our growth as contributing members of society. Dr. Amy Cranston has written a beautifully presented educational guide to help us expand the definition of education to highlight the significance of social and emotional learning as an integral part of the total educative process so desperately needed to provide a complete learning experience for all. It is a must read for those interested in the importance of presenting a meaningful educational and life experience. Academics are more complete when they are nurtured in a rich and welcoming social and emotional environment. Let’s move in that direction.

Let's face it, improving school climate through staff and student Social Emotional Learning practices is a gigantic goal to take on, and most schools are failing at it. Although most school staff members believe in and want SEL for their educational community, there are numerous barriers and hurdles to climb. Most commonly, questions and concerns about where to get started and what central practices need to be in place. Dr. Cranston has nailed it by connecting SEL research to school/classroom application by creating a format that is ready to be used at your school for professional development and staff training. I immediately felt empowered to bring this book to my school staff in order to help us develop a common language, routine practices, and roles that all stakeholders have in their school communities. Many educators, including me, struggle with not having enough time to plan and incorporate SEL into their rigorous academic programs and practices. Cranston's book reveals another side to improving academic achievement. She emphasizes that students require their basic needs to be met before aspiring to higher level goals. Education agencies support teachers and administrators to take the time to improve school climate because it has a direct, positive effect on academic achievement. Examples from the book are: student safety, whole child approaches, mindfulness, mentoring, project based learning, and growth mindset (for teachers and students!). Seeing my colleagues faces when I tell them it's okay to take time from academics to work on SEL skills and strategies is priceless! Other lessons and practices I use from Dr. Cranston's book are: recess debriefs, working with our PE teachers to incorporate SEL into sports and activities, individual and group check-ins, and SEL through improvisation. Of course, schools cannot take on SEL alone, they need resources, supports, and services to tackle the necessary groundwork to achieve continuity. This book furnishes information about successful and current service providers, programs, and curriculum that should be utilized district-wide to give students the 360 degree support needed for success in all programs. In an age where most kids are unfortunately gaining most of their SEL skills from the media, and their peers, (and in some cases in the workplace later on in life), we need to step it up in our communities. SEL must start early on in schools, and continue through young adulthood. With this book, you will positively impact our future today!

Dr. Cranston’s book is useful and pragmatic. The tools and case studies embedded in the text make what is learned tangible for teachers and educators in the field. Our schools talk a lot about SEL, but this book actually shows you how to address it. Thank you for creating this rich resource to help our students thrive.

Dr. Amy Cranston skillfully addresses the importance of educating the whole child as a means to provide students with the skills that will help them navigate their futures. In the preface, she vulnerably shares that she was once a young student who became disengaged in school. Because she has personally experienced what many of today’s students encounter, her book is meaningful and relevant. As a current practitioner in elementary education, the social emotional needs of children are not addressed as frequently as needed. Students’ academic needs are difficult to meet when students struggle with experiences that may shift their focus away from learning. Our School Climate Committee will utilize this book as a guide to strengthen the support we provide our students. Her book gives hope for the future education of our youth by way of highlighting the importance of Social Emotional Learning.

I've gotten most of this read and it has some good suggestions on building teamwork within the social and emotional learning. I've been working on this for a few years and this book seems to be specific and practical in it's suggestions.