Mood Meters, Phone Apps Help Hinsdale District 86 Students Manage Emotions
February 12, 2018
By: Kimberly Forneck
Source: Chicago Tribune
Social emotional learning has become as important a topic in education as science, technology, engineering and math. Unlike those subjects, social and emotional learning sounds warm and fuzzy.
But the staff at Hinsdale High School District 86 says social and emotional learning involves teaching concrete skills.
The skills are valuable because with some students, emotions and drama get in the way of concentration, and that affects learning, said Brad Verthein, director of student services. More than 100 students in District 86 receive services for emotional disturbances, he said.
All freshmen are learning social and emotional learning skills as part of physical education.
District 86 has adopted the “Ruler” approach, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, which stands for recognizing emotions in yourself and others, understanding the emotions, labeling them, expressing them and regulating your emotions effectively.