Social Emotional Learning

At PS 36, social emotional learning (SEL) themes for each month guide the school community and provide support for community building and to create a supportive environment. Themes will be integrated into daily interactions and areas of learning, and reinforced by all staff members, families, and students. Students participating in remote learning will also be included within these learning opportunities to ensure a larger connection within the school community. Examples of these themes include resilience, community, self-advocacy, growth, respect for all, and self-esteem.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices allow students to strengthen connections with each other, create a more kind and productive classroom and school, and develop student skills to resolve conflicts and repair harm in restorative ways rather than impose punishment.

A key element of restorative practices is the community circle. Community “circles” have all participants sit in a circle and use talking pieces as a way to guide the lessons, discussions and activities. When conflicts arise, the objective is to avoid blame, shame and punishment. The idea is to teach students behaviors we want to see and empower them to cope when conflicts arise.

Classrooms are also expected to have a Peace Corner to build student capacity for self-regulation. A Peace Corner is a space where students can calm their brains and bodies. Peace corners may include small items that can be manipulated (clay, Rubix cubes, stress balls), a place to journal or write about feelings, or just a comfortable space to pause and reflect. Peace Corners can be replicated at home to reinforce the practice.