Innovative Social-Emotional Practices at PS 304 Early Childhood Lab School

Our School Taglines:

“Every Learner, Every Day” & “Leaders in Their Learning”

Morning Leadership Circles in PK - 2

• Daily classroom check-ins where students share goals, reflect on emotions and celebrate progress as leaders in their learning journey.
• Use mood meters and goal-setting tools to foster accountability and emotional awareness.

Student-Led SEL Conferences

• Students host their own conferences with teachers and parents to discuss personal growth, SEL goals, and learning milestones.
• Includes showcasing projects or tools that demonstrate emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

Art Therapy led by D. Estrella, Guidance Counselor

• A designated space for mindfulness and problem-solving activities that encourage students to regulate emotions and practice collaborative leadership.
• Activities include yoga, journaling, peer mediation, and creative expression.

Leadership Ambassadors Program (Lunch Monitor Safety Squad)

• A peer mentoring system where older students are trained to support younger students in navigating emotions, resolving conflicts, and fostering inclusivity at lunch.
• Rotating leadership roles to ensure “every learner, every day” has the opportunity to lead.

Leadership in Action SEL Projects

• Students design and implement community-based projects that address real-world challenges, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and social responsibility.

Emotion Stations in Classrooms

• Interactive stations equipped with tools like “calm jars,” stress balls, and reflection cards, empowering students to regulate emotions independently.

Feelings as Leaders Framework

• SEL lessons integrated into academics using stories and activities that highlight how emotions guide decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership. This can be seen in our PBIS RISE Matrix

Family SEL Workshops

• Monthly sessions for families to learn SEL strategies that align with school practices, promoting a consistent home-school connection.

Student Voice Assemblies (Leaders in Learning)

• Periodic gatherings led by students, featuring peer presentations on SEL topics, storytelling, or solutions to school challenges.

Equity & Empathy Lunch Tables (Choice Seating)

• Organized by student leaders, these tables foster inclusive conversations among diverse groups, encouraging understanding and friendship.

Weekly Leadership Reflections (Kid Committee)

• Dedicated time for students to meet with school leadershipto plan and determine next steps.

These practices emphasize the development of self-awareness, empathy, and leadership in alignment with the school’s mission to support “every learner, every day” and to cultivate “leaders in their learning.”