“The first trimester of the 2024-2025 school year has concluded, and it would not have been as successful without the support of my SEL4CA grant.
Students have been given tools to both self-regulate and expand their identities in ways they have never explored. The SEL4CA grant has enabled me to make purchases to support educating the whole child. Our classroom has focused on community, contributions, and grit. Through the practice of yoga, students have learned the importance of breathwork, controlled physical activities, and calming exercises in focusing on the mind and body to facilitate learning – all on yoga mats provided by SEL4CA funds.
We have explored art, botany, engineering, and music using tools I was able to purchase with grant money: a cardboard table saw, hand tools, and a garden planter. Students continued to show excitement for learning and exploring beyond the hypothetical theories of books – and learned first-hand strategies to look through the world through the eyes of scientists, engineers, artists, and musicians. We ended the trimester with students presenting their learning to each other, following a question-and-answer session for each presenter. The best part of this process has been watching students who lacked the self-confidence to share ideas with classmates now can present a presentation to the whole class. I cannot fully convey the joy of watching my struggling readers experience excitement in learning. I cannot wait to share more as we continue to grow!”