Students improve social, leadership skills by hosting a day of fun for teachers
“Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is super important for all kids, but especially kids in elementary school,” Bridgett Dunlap said.
As cheers erupted from the gym at Larkspur Elementary, students were excited to see teachers trickle in for a day of fun organized by Dunlap.
She is the Redirection Social and Emotional Learning teacher at school.
“We’re trying to build leaders here at Larkspur and sometimes some of our kids, because of their behavior, they’re not viewed as leaders. But, through events like this, we get to show everyone that every kid can be a leader,” she explained.
11-year-old William Name is one of the students who hosted the campus Turkey Bowl.
“It’s important to help because like, by their age, no matter how old the teacher is you can still help them,” the 5th grader said.
Dunlap said this day of fun was a way to get students involved in leadership opportunities on campus.
Dunlap is a product of NEISD and has been an educator with the District for 15 years.
“We really wanted to do something that would show not only the kids social skills but also show the teachers in the campus how thankful we are for them,” she explained.
Her fellow educator Christin Pina said she and Dunlap offer students at Larkspur behavioral support and help them better develop SEL skills.
This is Pina’s second year on campus and is the Self-contained Behavior Special Education Teacher.
“The culture around the school in general is that the students like to see the adults model what we want them to do. They’ve become more open to teachers, following directives, becoming more responsible, being nice to each other and initiating conversations. Because of all of that, we want to continue it and our leadership allows us to do these events,” Pina explained.
When given the chance, Dunlap said kids can do some pretty amazing things.
“Not every kid is going to shine academically and not every kid is going to be able to be a patrol or these other leadership roles. But, if you can create an environment and coach the kids to be leaders, then who knows what they’ll do,” she added.
Name said he was happy to take charge of some of the day’s duties and that he’s learned a lot from Ms. Dunlap.
“I like her because she helps me with my social skills so I can use them next time whenever I’m in a problem. She helps me become a leader,” he said.
At NEISD, our vision for all employees & students is to model warmth and compassion while pursuing our Tradition of Excellence.
To learn more about the purpose of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in North East ISD, click here: https://www.neisd.net/Page/20111
Because #NEISDcares!
