Educator and author Erin Waters joins Shannon and Mary to discuss supporting the whole child through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Erin shares her teaching journey and highlights the crucial connection between SEL & literacy development—because our students aren’t just learning to read; they’re learning who they are. They explore what SEL looks like in real classrooms: morning meetings that build community, read-alouds that spark emotional awareness, and simple coping strategies that help students manage anxiety and stress. The discussion also acknowledges the lasting impact of the digital age and the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ social-emotional well-being, as more children than ever are navigating big feelings.Erin introduces her book Wally Is Worried as a relatable resource for helping children understand and express their emotions. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, recommended texts, and encouragement to make SEL an intentional part of everyday literacy instruction. 01:40 Special Guest: Erin Waters on SEL 03:06 Defining SEL and Its Importance 06:03 Real-World SEL Classroom Experiences 11:41 Impact of Digital Age on SEL 16:18 Post-COVID SEL Challenges 21:43 Coping Mechanisms and Solutions 39:16 Final Thoughts and Resources RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE: Wally is Worried by Erin Waters *Amazon affiliate link Our engagement episode Our technology episode Book list with SEL topics, curated by Love Grows Learning Big Little Feelings blog NEA (National Education Association): SEL Resources Reading Rockets: Classroom Strategies that Support SEL Reading with Relevance: a CASEL-certified SEL supplemental program CASEL.org Centervention: 95 Social Emotional Learning Activities Integrating SEL Into Your Reading Block Children's Institute: SEL Resources and Tools Erin Waters' website Connect with Erin via IG Support the show Get Literacy Support through our Patreon Bonus Episodes access through your podcast app Bonus episodes access through Patreon Buy us a coffee Get a FREE Green Chef box using our link
