Building Student Relationships across Grade Levels
Summary
Social Emotional Learning is an important part of not only learning, but basic human development. It supports not only the well being of students but also, positive connections/relationships between differing peer groups. Teaching students within the school setting pertinent concepts beyond the classroom core academic classes, enables educators to teach the “whole” student. Students will learn basic and lifelong competence in communication, relationship building, and decision making. Thus, providing students the opportunity to flourish not only academically, but also socially, and emotionally by giving students the ability to process and form such skills with meaningful mentorships and/or “buddies”. The older students are modeling positive behaviors for their younger peers, deciphering conflicts, learning to communicate in effective and positive ways. In return, the younger students are watching, and looking up to their mentor, feeling confident with a friendship from someone older. All in all, this will improve student/peer behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets. Interpersonal skills are developed and fostered between both groups as they practice these lifelong lessons. Lessons within these relationships help students develop the ability to resolve conflicts in a positive manner, manage emotions before reaching a boiling point, and learning to make reasonable decisions. The “buddies” learn life skills from each other, and not necessarily ‘drilled’ into the students by the educator.
Building Student Relationships across Grade Levels
Social Emotional Learning is an important part of not only learning, but basic human development. It supports not only the well being of students but also, positive connections/relationships between differing peer groups. Teaching students within the school setting pertinent concepts beyond the classroom core academic classes, enables educators to teach the “whole” student. Students will learn basic and lifelong competence in communication, relationship building, and decision making. Thus, providing students the opportunity to flourish not only academically, but also socially, and emotionally by giving students the ability to process and form such skills with meaningful mentorships and/or “buddies”. The older students are modeling positive behaviors for their younger peers, deciphering conflicts, learning to communicate in effective and positive ways. In return, the younger students are watching, and looking up to their mentor, feeling confident with a friendship from someone older. All in all, this will improve student/peer behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets. Interpersonal skills are developed and fostered between both groups as they practice these lifelong lessons. Lessons within these relationships help students develop the ability to resolve conflicts in a positive manner, manage emotions before reaching a boiling point, and learning to make reasonable decisions. The “buddies” learn life skills from each other, and not necessarily ‘drilled’ into the students by the educator.
