PD summer & a new curriculum for this upcoming school year!

Good morning! I am fresh off of a 3 day literacy institute (and professional development) about the new reading and writing curriculum that our district adopted for early childhood. With the 5 day science PD a few weeks ago, this is probably the most (Nope, it actually IS the most.) professional development I've done in the summer in the history of my career. I can honestly say that both were great calls!

My district adopted Making Meaning, Being A Writer, and SIPPS for the upcoming school year in K-2. My school had actually purchased the curriculum separately last school year with the intent to use it this upcoming school year in grades K-3. I am very excited about this new venture for two major reasons. First, we actually have a vetted, research-based, and effective curriculum. Now, maybe I'll have time to pursue my hobbies! Second, and most important, social-emotional learning is built into the curriculum. Talk about whole child teaching! Many of our kiddos (no matter their experience or privilege) come to us with major deficits in social and emotional skills. I find myself investing a lot of time coaching my kiddos in developing positive relationships, setting strong emotional boundaries, developing coping skills, and advocating for themselves in a productive and respectful manner. That one measly course on human growth and development does not prepare you for some of the social-emotional hurdles you will come across. I'm excited to get into the content a little sooner because those social elements, which often times are more important than the content and can make or break a lesson, are already built in.

With developing character, I've found a TON of success with Leader in Me (7 Habits of Happy Kids). I began implementing it in my classroom two years ago. I work with students who face a lot of challenges. I made a very conscious decision to emphasize character education instead of feeling sorry for my students or using their situations to excuse their negative behaviors. I truly believe that every single kid can learn. Sometimes, we need to peel back the layers and connect with their hearts first. I'm admittedly tough on my students, and I have incredibly high expectations for them. I'm not a fan of excuses, and I don't accept them. I definitely communicate with them in a warm, kind manner but they know from the moment they enter my care, that I absolutely will not accept anything less than their best on a given day. I understand their best may only be 50% of their true capability on some days because mom and dad may have had a fight the night before. Or, maybe they didn't eat dinner or maybe they're homeless. But if all you have is 50%, I expect it all. I take care to establish that safe space because I know that my classroom is the only place where some of my kiddos can actually be kids. You know a Ms. Peters kid when you seem them around the building, and that's not to imply that they are perfect. They aren't perfect. They make mistakes and poor choices; However, they are accountable for their actions, reflective, and willing to right a wrong.

How do you develop the whole child in your classroom? I'd love to hear from you!