Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Elementary classrooms in Westwood implement comprehensive, research-based social and emotional learning lessons. These lessons align with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. These skills are critical in helping students with such things as problem-solving, recognizing and managing emotions, forming good relationships with peers and adults, and considering and understanding the experience of others. In Westwood, teachers typically devote 20-30 minutes per week on targeted lessons (often incorporated into morning meeting activities) and students engage in and practice these skills throughout each day. We use a variety of curriculum resources to support the development of these competencies as well as to help shape classroom and school culture. The resources include: Everyday Speech (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten), Second Step (Grades 1-5), and Responsive Classroom (K-5).
Anti-Bullying
The district has identified 13 essential lessons for each grade level that serve as our anti-bullying curriculum. These lessons include themes such as:
