Using Writing for Social Emotional Learning

Colin Price has been teaching writing and ELA for 13 years both in the United States and the Middle East. In this episode, Alexis and Colin explore the power of writing and story. They intersect ideas for using writing as a powerful SEL tool with discussion of how behavior can show up in ways other than “disruption”. For example, withdrawal and shutting down might be behaviors seen in high school students with anxiety or depression.

Colin has found that many students feel more free to express themselves through their writing than by speaking in the classroom. Writing can therefore provide glimpses into students’ thought processes and lives that might not otherwise be evident. Alexis and Colin also discuss the power (both positive and negative) of story including the stories of self we tell ourselves and the compelling ability we and our students have to revise our own narratives. 

 

Resources:

Teaching Activities to Support the Core Competencies of SEL - CASEL

Examples of Social and Emotional Learning in English Language Arts Instruction - CASEL

Integrating SEL Into Writing Instruction - Julia Richardson

The Odyssey - Homer