Social and Emotional Learning at Sammamish Children's School

We believe that well-rounded education nurtures not only academic growth but also the crucial social and emotional aspects that empower children to thrive. We are proud to utilize the nationally recognized Second Step curriculum, equipping students with valuable tools for navigating emotions and building positive relationships, as you'll see in their own words.

What social and emotional skills will my child develop at Sammamish Children's School?

Through intentional and compounding curriculum, your child will develop a strong foundation in:

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing and understanding their own emotions, as well as their strengths and areas where they grow
• Self-Management: Skills in regulating their emotions, managing stress, controlling impulses, and setting personal and collective goals
• Social Awareness: The capacity to understand and empathize with the perspectives of others, including different backgrounds
• Relationship Skills: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social situations with a constructive attitude
• Responsible Decision-Making: The capacity to make ethical and choices about personal behavior and social interactions, considering the well-being of themselves and others

Real-World Application of SEL

As shown by Second Step, the impact of our Social and Emotional Learning ("SEL") curriculum extends beyond the classroom. Students of the Second Step curriculum learn and remember practical strategies to utilize in life at home, and through other daily rituals. We're fostering those happy, compassionate, good, and inclusive approaches to emotions.

Parents, too, can deepen their understanding and support their child's SEL journey when workshops are offered by Sammamish Children's School. These opportunities help create a shared language and understanding of the Second Step curriculum within the family and community of King County. Furthermore, Second Step curriculum includes take-home activities, reinforcing these vital skills in the home.

Prompting Social and Emotional Growth in Your Child

Continue learning every day by asking your child questions or conversational cues that encourage them to reflect on their social and emotional experiences:

• What feelings did you notice in yourself?
  • What feelings did you notice in another?
• Tell me about a time you showed kindness to another.
• How did empathy appear in your day?
• How did you handle a challenging situation today?
• What do you do be a good family member?
  • What is the type of family member that you long to be each day?
• What is a decision you made at home today?
  • What did you think about before your decision?

At-Home Social and Emotional Learning

Reinforce the skills learned at school with SEL-focused practices at in the comfort of your own home:

• Label Emotions Together: Talk about the feelings everyone in the family is experiencing.
• Practice Empathy During Story Time: Discuss how characters in books might be feeling and why.
• Collaboratively Solve Family Issues: Involve your child in finding solutions to everyday challenges.
• Use Calming Techniques as a Family: Practice deep breathing or quiet time together.
• Reflect on Social Interactions: Discuss family interactions and how everyone can communicate effectively.

Extend the Benefits: A Compounding Journey

The positive impact of Social and Emotional Learning at Sammamish Children's School is designed to grow with your child. We encourage you to explore our additional programs, such as Before/After Care, Summer Programs, and Enrichment Activities. These opportunities provide consistent reinforcement of SEL skills, extending their benefits throughout your child's time with us, from their earliest preschool years through Pre-K and Kindergarten, and even into Enrichment programs.