THE TOOL BOX

"One day . . . or day one.” -- Anonymous

October: Cherokee Month of the Harvest Moon

SEL:  #3 Self-Management

SEL:  #4 Relationship Skills    

Digital Learner:  #2 Creative Communicator

                              #7 Innovative Designer

To wish to be well is a part of becoming well.  – Seneca C. 4 B.C. – C. 65 B.C.

I can go on the Internet and look at videos about how to fix my car. Unless I grab the right tool box (not the paint kit), choose the right device, apply it effectively, then add all of the necessary fluids and parts, my car won’t run. For me, emotional healing/recovery and being able to sustain it, requires the same select-the-right-tool-and-apply-it-correctly sequence.

Relationship skills are hard-earned through a process of trial and error. Reading a page-a-day out of a book and expecting results is like trying to be your own dentist. It reminds me of Edison inventing the lightbulb, “Yes! One more thing that doesn’t work!” I love scientists. Failure is forward to them. I often feel that way as I write my children’s picture books: taking them back and forth to the creative team, fixing what doesn’t work, being proud and loving of what does.

We need to acknowledge the effort that goes into healing. We need appreciation from others and to appreciate ourselves for the attempt. Kinder, softer, gentler: a world of soft words as if watching a hummingbird feed on nectar in the sunlight. These tools, these scenes are enough to quiet our soul.

Aloha love, 

Carla

A kind word to one in trouble is often like a switch in a railroad track. . .an inch between wreck and smooth sailing

                                                                                                                                            – Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

I am committed to being an effective member of the global digital community. Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners publishes children’s picture books, for ages 4-8, on feelings and emotions, earth science, and social-emotional learning (SEL). These books work to help children understand themselves and their place in the world through animal characters and diverse human companions. They provide Learning-to-Learn Skills, sight-words, and phonics to enrich academic development.

Commitments of a Digital Citizen (2022): I am inclusive. I engage with others online with respect and empathy. I am informed. I evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of online information. I am engaged. I use technology for civic engagement and to be a force for good. I am balanced. I prioritize my time and activities online and offline. I am alert. I know how to be safe online and create safe spaces for others.  digcitcommit.org  ISTE.org   

The 5 SEL Competencies:  Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. CASEL.org

The 7 Competencies for Technology in Education: Empowered Learner: I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them, and demonstrating my learning. Global Collaborator: I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others, and work effectively in teams using digital tools. Digital Citizen: I understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world. Creative Communicator: I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats, and digital media. Knowledge Constructor: I critically select, evaluate, and synthesize digital resources into a collection that reflects my learning and builds my knowledge. Computational Thinker: I identify authentic problems, work with data, and use a step-by-step process to automate solutions. Innovative Designer: I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools. ISTE.org  

Disclaimer for Blog This site cannot and does not contain social-emotional learning (SEL) or technology in education advice. These materials are provided for general informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice on any particular concerns or circumstances involved. This Blog: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone! aims to share ideas and best practices, in good faith, only. Any information sent to Carla Chapin, or to Montana Cat Tales For Life-Long Learners, LLC, through the website, Internet, or email is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis. The original content of the websites Carla Chapin, Montana Cat Tales For Life-Long Learners, LLC and the Blogs: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone!  and Montana Cat Tales For Life-Long Learners, are copyrighted materials and are subject to the restrictions and protections set forth in the Copyright Act.