Families are students' first and lifelong teachers. Families and communities have been developing and fostering social-emotional skills in children for generations. Research shows the deep impacts of these skills and practices on learning. We integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) in classrooms in partnership with our families.
SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
At Parkside Elementary, second-grade teachers Kimber “Ms. K” Howard and Janae Williams are teaching students peer relationship and communication skills to create classrooms where every student feels seen and supported.
Creating Space for Every Student to Be Heard
Ms. K begins each day by giving students an opportunity to check in and share how they are feeling. Using a Mood Meter and the sentence stem "I feel ____ because ____," students are able to share their feelings with the class and then with a partner. This daily practice ensures every student has a voice and builds a habit of self-awareness and empathy.
"Knowing that someone will check in on you every day creates a sense of belonging in our classroom and school." – Ms. K
Social-emotional learning helps Ms. K’s students build trust and confidence. They feel safe sharing both challenges and celebrations, knowing their classmates will listen and encourage them. This foundation strengthens academic engagement by allowing students to focus on learning without the weight of unprocessed emotions.
Her classroom discussions throughout the week center on real-world connections and personal reflection. Ms. K has a theme each day:
- Scenario Mondays put students in others' shoes to discuss a scenario that may happen at school.
- Discussion Tuesdays encourage students to think critically about important topics by agreeing or disagreeing.
- World Wednesdays introduce students to learning about different cultures and traditions.
- Reflection Thursdays allow students to provide reflection on important topics.
- Impact Fridays let students talk about the impact they've had or someone they know has had on others.
Fulfilling Highline’s Promise
Ms. Williams sees social-emotional learning as a direct reflection of the Highline Promise — ensuring every student is known by name, strength and need.
Morning meetings are a key part of this work. Every day, she begins with activities that lower stress, strengthen connections and build confidence. Greeting students by name is an intentional practice that fosters a sense of belonging from the moment they walk into her class.
Pairing students strategically for turn-and-talk discussions is another way Ms. Williams creates an inclusive environment. These purposeful partnerships help students thrive socially and academically. By learning from and supporting one another, they develop communication and collaboration skills.
Challenges & Successes in Social-Emotional Learning
Both teachers recognize that building strong relationships takes time. Ms. Williams says the biggest challenge is at the beginning of the school year when students are first practicing how to engage in SEL activities. Establishing routines and expectations takes time, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial effort.
One of the most rewarding moments in Ms. Williams' classroom is watching students who are nonverbal use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to express their emotions during check-ins. Over time, their classmates have become invested in their feelings, responding with encouragement and support. Even shy and quiet students gain confidence as the year progresses, knowing they are in a safe, caring and supportive environment.
Ms. K has also experienced the impact of SEL on classroom culture. After recess one day, nearly every student checked in as feeling frustrated or upset. Instead of pushing forward with the lesson, she paused, acknowledged their emotions, and played a short uplifting video. That small moment of understanding reset the class’s energy and reinforced that their feelings mattered. It also allowed students to then focus on their academic work.
Preparing Students for the Future
SEL is preparation for life. By learning to communicate effectively, regulate emotions and work through challenges, students are developing skills they will use in middle school, high school and beyond.
"Social-emotional learning teaches students how to navigate challenges with empathy and confidence. No matter where life takes them, these skills will always be valuable."
– Ms. Williams