Since 2003, social and emotional learning has been a legislative mandate in Illinois. The programs are implemented to a greater or lesser degree in each school based on interest and finances. My son’s school is going at it like gangbusters.
Each week, my son and his fellow kindergartners, for instance, sit on the floor with their teacher and do exercises that help them to identify emotions (both others’ and their own), solve conflicts and reduce frustration. They also learn not to be bystanders. They give a mean handshake.
(READ the article in the Chicago Tribune)