21 DAYS AND 5 CENTS (nickels)

September: Cherokee Month of the Nut Moon

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

SEL #5 Responsible Decision-Making          Digital Learner #2 Global Collaborator 

The great virtue in life is real courage that knows how to face facts and live beyond them.

                                                                                                               –D. H. Lawrence (1885 – 1930)

One of my teachers told me to circle my calendar every 21 days. Why? It keeps me focused on my goals. It serves as an anxiety intervention for me to remember that, “Oh, the 28^th of this month is my next 21^st day. I can do my best then--move on.” No judgment. The next 21st-day will take its turn.

When they replaced the siding and windows this summer, due to hail damage, every picture frame had to come off the walls, every lamp, table, and knickknack had to move 24 inches away from each window and each window side had to be cleared for 10 inches. This was disorienting to me so, I used my tools.

I moved my teacher recertification classes to a later 21^st-day and knew that if necessary, I could always move it again. No anxiety. It gives me hope, eliminates perfectionism, and gives me a creative flow in which to function.

The nickels? I buy two rolls of nickels. Every time I go spiraling down into negativity, fail to call a friend, or exercise, I put nickels in a small clear glass. If I do negative self-talk, I put nickels in the glass. If I do something effective, I dump the nickels out and start over again. Woo-hoo! It’s fun! It’s funny when I text a friend and say, “It’s an eight-nickel day!” She knows I’ll be watchful making my next few decisions.

This is proactively taking steps to change “a reaction into a response” and reminds us to “observe not absorb.”

Aloha love,

Carla

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 earth science; emotions and feelings; and social-emotional learning (SEL). These books work to help children understand themselves, their place in the world through animal characters and diverse human companions, and to find their authentic voice. They provide Learning-to-Learn Skills for Early Readers, sight-words, and phonics to enrich academic development.

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

I Have Digital Literary Skills (2023): I can locate information. I use digital technology to effectively search for relevant and reliable information sources. I can evaluate sources. I analyze sources of digital information for credibility, bias, and influence. I can interpret meaning. I determine meaning from various digital sources that represent multiple perspectives.  I can express my ideas. I create digital content to express myself and voice my ideas. I can communicate with others. I safely and responsibly collaborate with and learn from others online, including those who think differently than I do. I can navigate technological ecosystems. I’m aware that my online actions influence my digital landscape, I leave a trail, and impact my privacy.     getdigitalskills.com      ISTE.org

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 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.