Program
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a core value of Open Window and our SEL program has several components. We believe that young people become successful, healthy, life-long learners, when they are empowered to navigate their social and emotional world. Our students have high intellectual potential and diverse learning preferences which can be a gift and a challenge. The integration of SEL into our program promotes student voice and choice, identity development, emotional regulation, cultural competency, healthy relationships, and resiliency skills. Through intentional instruction, modeling, and opportunities for authentic practice, we foster the development of a growth mindset and the emotional skills that students need to better understand themselves and what it means to be a part of a community.
In practice, students begin their day with a morning meeting based on a Responsive Classroom structure. This time allows for relationship building between students and teachers and supports critical executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritization, and organization.
Beyond the morning meeting, OWO students will also participate in specific planned lessons built on research-based practices for social/emotional learning. Our teachers design lessons that are developmentally appropriate to both provide a foundation of applicable skills, and to be responsive to the needs of students as they emerge throughout the schoolyear.
The core program is comprised of five foundation skill areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making. Additional topics under each of the foundation skills include:
Self-Awareness: Emotions and neuroscience, mindset and resilience, impact of self on others
Self-Management: Emotional regulation, stress management, mindfulness, and relaxation
Social Awareness: Teambuilding, empathy and inclusiveness, appreciating differences, giving/receiving feedback
Relationship Skills: Effective communication, conflict resolution, assertiveness, and self-advocacy
Responsible Decision Making: Goal setting, problem solving, and leadership skills
Open Window Online provides a challenging academic curriculum blended with nurturing support from teachers that prepares students for long-term success.
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