Author: Marcella @ Secondary SEL Powerhouse
What My Feelings? Why Empathy Is the Best Soft Skill of 2024
On a recent walk with my dog, soaking up the sunshine and trying to clear my head, I noticed a car in my neighbor’s driveway. Its license plate frame caught my eye. It said, “____ Your Feelings.” (You can fill in the blank, but you get the idea.) It struck me like a jolt. Is… Read more
✨The Power of Kindness in Divided Times✨
The state of the world has left many of us wondering: How can we bridge the gaps? With so much disconnect between people—different perspectives, priorities, and lived experiences—it’s easy to feel divided. How can we teach the next generation to value connection, empathy, and understanding in a way that brings people closer together? For educators,… Read more
From Mirrors to Windows: Shaping Self-Awareness and Connection in Education
Have you ever stopped to think about how we see the world? Too often, we hold up a mirror—reflecting back only our own thoughts, needs, and experiences. But the real magic happens when we trade that mirror for a window. 🪟 Through that window, we begin to see beyond ourselves—to other people, new perspectives, and… Read more
“People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel” – Lessons in Building a Classroom Community 🌱
I recently read a post from a teacher just starting her journey, about to enter student teaching. She asked for the best piece of advice we received when we began teaching. I shared this quote from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget… Read more
Turn “Manic Monday” Into “Mindful Monday” With Emotional Regulation ✨🧠
Why Emotional Regulation Matters 🌿✨ Emotions are a big part of life, and knowing how to manage them can make all the difference. Whether you’re: Learning to regulate emotions effectively can transform how we handle stress, connect with others, and navigate daily challenges. 🌱💪 What Is Emotional Regulation? 🧠 Emotional regulation isn’t just about calming… Read more
“Okay, Let’s Go!” — The Power of Outdoor Learning ✨
For years, I’d hear it at least once a week, like clockwork: “Ms., can we go outside?” The weather didn’t matter—rain, shine, or somewhere in between—my students always asked. My answer, however, was a consistent “no.” We had a lovely quad area with tables that could easily fit a class, complete with a flower garden… Read more