Day 1: Join the Journey: Building a Bully-Free Community Through SEL

Welcome to a seven-day blog series on transforming our schools through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Instead of focusing solely on anti-bullying rules, we’re shifting to a proactive, restorative approach that fosters connection, empathy, and inclusion. By embedding SEL into our classrooms, we can address the root causes of bullying and create a culture where every student feels valued.

British Columbia’s redesigned 2016 curriculum integrates SEL as a key component of education. Through the Core Competencies, students develop essential skills to navigate relationships and conflicts:

• Communication: Sharing and reflecting to build understanding.

• Thinking: Creative and critical problem-solving.

• Personal and Social Responsibility: Managing emotions, building relationships, and fostering well-being.

Join me each day as we explore practical strategies to integrate SEL into schools and homes. Together, we can build communities where bullying is replaced with empathy, connection, and belonging.

Actionable Steps:

• Start each day with a morning circle to check in on students’ emotions.

• Encourage open communication by asking reflective questions like, “How are you feeling today?”