Back-to-School SEL Newsletter 🌿
- meganfrazierbiz
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Preparing for a Calm, Connected Start
Dear Teachers & Childcare Providers,
Welcome back! As we return after summer, let’s focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to support our children—and ourselves—in building a calm, connected environment.
🧩 Focus: Connection & Belonging
The first weeks can bring mixed feelings for children. SEL strategies help ease transitions and create safety.
📚 Storytime SEL Strategies for the First Weeks
✅ Morning Meetings / Circle Time
Open with a greeting song and an SEL book (Glad Monster, Sad Monster).
Invite children to show how they feel using thumbs up/side/down or emotion cards.
Use a consistent closing song to build routine.
✅ Visual Schedules & Routines
Use picture schedules to help children predict what’s next.
Connect with stories like Wemberly Worried to reassure children about feelings.
✅ Calm-Down Area
Include SEL books like The Color Monster, a soft toy, and sensory bottles.
Teach how to use the space when needing a break.
✅ Storytime SEL Book Ideas
The Kissing Hand (separation reassurance)
The Invisible String (connection with caregivers)
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (kindness and empathy)
I Am Peace (mindfulness)
After reading, ask, “How did the character feel? What helped them feel better?”
Mindful Moments
After Breathe Like a Bear, practice a short breathing exercise as a transition.
These practices help children build emotional vocabulary, feel safe, and learn calm-down strategies naturally.
💡 Tips for a Calm Start
✅ Greet each child warmly.✅ Use consistent routines.✅ Model calm responses.✅ Take deep breaths before transitions.
📚 References
CASEL (2020), Denham (2006), Hemmeter et al. (2006), Meiklejohn et al. (2012).
Greater Good in Education
Thank you for all you do to prepare your classrooms and hearts for a positive start. Together, we can make this return after summer calm, connected, and caring for every child.
With appreciation,
Megan Frazier, SEL Consultant
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