Everyday SEL in Elementary School: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning and Mindfulness Into Your Classroom

In this new book from educational consultant Carla Tantillo Philibert, you’ll gain practical strategies for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL), mindfulness, and movement to help your elementary students maintain positive relationships, assume responsibility, become bodily aware, and grow into productive, contributing citizens. You’ll find out how to lead students through games, simple yoga poses, breathing techniques, and other activities that are easy to incorporate and help you manage your classroom. Topics include: Empowering your students to understand their emotions, improve their focus, manage stress, and regulate their behavior through structured activities Introducing your students to the concept of SEL and setting up your own SEL classroom Engaging your students in activities to strengthen peer-to-peer communication, community-building, and leadership skills Allowing your students to test their SEL skills through interactive stories and class discussions Honing your own SEL competency through professional development sessions so your students can get the most out of their SEL experience The book also offers a Professional Development Facilitator’s Guide to help you and your colleagues master the core concepts of SEL and implement them effectively in the classroom. The appendix provides additional strategies for overcoming common difficulties when first beginning your school’s SEL journey.

Table of Contents:
Meet the Author Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Defining Social-Emotional Learning for Students and Teachers 2. Getting Started: Introducing Social-Emotional Learning and Setting Up Your Classroom 3. Using the Activities and Creating Your POP Chart 4. SELF Activities: Warm-Up & Energize 5. SELF Activities: Cool Down & Focus 6. SOCIAL Activities: Warm-Up & Energize 7. SOCIAL Activities: Cool Down & Focus 8. Crafting SEL Stories 9. Developing Teacher Competency through PD 10. Professional Development Facilitator’s Guide Appendix

About the Author :
Carla Tantillo Philibert is the founder of Mindful Practices, one of Chicago's leading school wellness organizations, and oversees a team of 25 dedicated practitioners who empower teachers and students across the nation with wellness and Social-Emotional Learning strategies to create a more effective educational environment.

Review :
“From my nearly twenty years of experience in public education, I've learned that the most effective teachers are the ones who pay attention to all students’ needs as they walk through the door, whether academic, health- and wellness-related, or social-emotional. Based on tested strategies, Everyday SEL in Elementary School is the 21st-century GPS for addressing students' social-emotional needs, building classroom community, and creating engaged citizens.” --Mario R. Rossero, Senior Vice President of Education, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “This book provides thoughtful and detailed guidance for implementing a successful SEL program. Carla Tantillo Philibert’s suggestion to shift the classroom mindset away from compliance and teach students about awareness, regulation, and recognition is an important reminder at all levels of education.” --Kiljoong Kim, Policy Analyst, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago "Everyday SEL in Elementary School is a groundbreaking book for the field of education. Carla Tantillo has a clear understanding of the necessity for a truly interdisciplinary approach to SEL that includes both yoga and mindfulness, making her a visionary leader in the field. Without losing the integrity of the practices, this book offers yoga and mindfulness tools all educators will find highly accessible and easy to implement in their classrooms or the larger school environment." --Iona M. Smith, M.Ed., Kripalu Yoga in the Schools Manager, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health “Carla provides both teachers and students with tools critical to achieving academic success and changing life trajectories. She is keenly aware of the challenges that many of our students face living in under-served urban communities. She responds by offering practical strategies for shifting awareness, changing habits of the mind, and transforming classrooms from places that value compliance to places that understand and honor the value of connection.” --Natalie C. Neris, Chief of Academic Accountability, Chicago International Charter School “Providing teachers with real tools to develop self-aware and empowered students and the language to implement intentional and sustainable practices make this book an invaluable resource for beginning and veteran teachers alike. Carla Tantillo Philibert’s warmth and passion permeate every page and serve to champion this vital philosophy. The Mindful Practices are both simple and revolutionary and truly guide us to support students in being their most dazzling selves!” –Jill Bounds, Office of Professional Learning, Chicago Public Schools