How will implementing ENVoY strategies and teaching social and emotional learning lessons impact classroom climate?

Julie Ailts


Seminar Title


How will implementing ENVoY strategies and teaching social and emotional learning lessons impact classroom climate?


Concept/Strategy

Focus of the Research


Social and Emotional Learning/ENVoY Strategies


Grade Level

Research Was Applied


1st Grade


Relevant Grade Level

Connections


Elementary


Discipline

Where Research Was Applied


Other


Additional Discipline Areas

I see Application to


All Disciplines


Invitation/Commercial


“He/She won’t stop touching me!” “They pushed me!” “So and so budged in line!” As teachers, are these comments you often hear? As educators, do you often have to solve problems for your students; because they do not have the necessary skills to solve them? Do you often question if there is something missing in our students’ education? In this presentation, I will explain my findings on how using ENVoY strategies (nonverbal communication) and teaching Social and Emotional Learning lessons helped the overall classroom climate. The research and findings of my action research project apply directly to early elementary students, specifically kindergarten through second grade.


Abstract


In too many classrooms and schools across America, children are missing a critical piece of their education. Year after year, and test after test, students, and their teachers focus on the cognitive elements of education, while other life skills are often absent from the in-school experience. Reading and writing are intentionally taught, but not always resilience and responsibility. Arithmetic and higher math skills are embedded in school goals, but not necessarily persistence and grit. In some classrooms, an “either/or” dynamic has been established where core knowledge is taught, but not the skills to work cooperatively with others, resolve conflicts, and preserve. (Enterprises C, et. al., 2013). I became interested in social and emotional learning after implementing ENVoY (nonverbal classroom management strategies), by doing small units on growth mindset, resilience, and empathy in my classroom during the 2016-2017 school year. Through the various articles I have read and the research I have done, I know there is more to social and emotional learning (SEL) that could greatly benefit students for years to come if properly taught at a young age. Social and Emotional Learning can have a big impact both positively and negatively on one’s classroom environment, as well as a student’s success in life. The purpose of this study was to see how implementing ENVoY strategies along with social and emotional lessons impacts the overall classroom climate. Through my research, students were explicitly taught specific social skills. They completed a sorts test at the end of each unit. Each test consisted of various statements I read aloud. Individually, students decided whether the statement showed that social skill or not, in order to learn how to be a more positive community member both in and out of our classroom. Every unit was two to three weeks in length and incorporated a variety of teaching methods, some of which include, children’s literature, Class Dojo and YouTube videos, and hands-on activities. All units took place during our morning meeting community building time. I also used ENVoY (nonverbal communication) strategies with my students to create an equal playing field for all students regardless of their ability level. As a result of my research and implementation, the classroom climate has become a much calmer space for students to work. Students are intentionally working towards being more compassionate towards their classmates. They also have taken more initiative to be problem solvers on their own rather than running to the teacher for help. There is substantial evidence regarding the positive impact of SEL and effectiveness of ENVoY strategies within the classroom in regards to students’ behavior. As the school year moves forward, I plan to continue embedding ENVoY strategies and SEL lessons into my instruction for years to come.