In Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), classroom culture is the engine that drives connection and growth. As in the beginning of the year, there is immense value in taking the time mid-year to assess and strengthen that culture—like tuning up a car to ensure it runs smoothly for the journey ahead. By making intentional adjustments, educators can create an environment where students and staff thrive together in the second half of the year. Tuning up also benefits the broader community by:

• Building stronger relationships that foster trust and collaboration.
• Enhancing students’ sense of connection and belonging.
• Promoting resilience and adaptability during challenges.

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Tips for Tuning Up Your Classroom Culture

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Check Your Emotion “Dashboard” with Check-Ins‍

Regular check-ins allow educators and students to foster self-awareness, social awareness, and connection. Start with simple practices, such as asking students to use rating scales to share their feelings or offering nonverbal tools to ensure participation from everyone. Metaphors are a great way to engage students, too!

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Review and Refine Your Road Map with Classroom Agreements

‍Revisiting classroom agreements ensures everyone understands the shared expectations that guide your journey. Reflect together on what’s working, adjust as needed, or co-create new agreements if they don’t yet exist. Finally, make sure agreements are visible and regularly reinforced by all community members.

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Refuel the Engine: Prioritize Adult SEL Alongside Student SEL‍

‍Educators need emotional resilience to sustain our important work. By engaging in self-reflection, mindfulness practices, or advocating for staff-wide initiatives like peer support groups or wellness workshops, we enrich ourselves and the work that we do.

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Keep the Whole System Running: Promote Community Wellness‍

Connection is key to a healthy school culture. Foster connection by organizing service projects, creating gratitude initiatives, or engaging families in SEL-focused activities or workshops - any small or big way to open pathways for communication.

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Secure the Passengers: Foster Belonging and Emotional Safety

‍Students thrive when the classroom is a space where they can take risks and feel valued. Establish rituals and structures that create predictability and consistency. Having consistent routines and procedures that support all learners helps students know what to expect and promotes emotional safety for them to make mistakes and share authentically.

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Adjust for a Smoother Ride: Create an Inclusive Environment‍

Ensure your classroom supports all learners by differentiating instruction with varied strategies, reviewing materials for cultural relevance, and centering student voice by implementing student leadership and feedback.

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Set the Wheels in Motion: Practical First Steps

To begin tuning up your classroom culture, consider starting small:

• Add one new check-in question to your morning routine.
• Dedicate a class period to revisiting and updating classroom agreements.
• Set aside five minutes daily for mindfulness or gratitude routines and rituals.

When educators prioritize these practices, they create classrooms where students and staff feel seen, supported, and empowered. By taking time to tune up, you’ll ensure a smooth ride for your school community for the rest of the school year.

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