BROKEN PIECES

 BROKEN PIECES

November: Cherokee Month of the Hunt Moon 

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

SEL: #3 Self-Management                                      #5 Responsible Decision Making

Digital Learner: #3 Digital Citizen                           #7 Innovative Designer

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)                                                                                                                                        

We need love and hugs to pick up the broken pieces of our lives. School counselors are faced with family and community crises after school shootings. Younger siblings may start wetting the bed. Survivors may become withdrawn and angry. School personnel are affected deeply. Communities suffer.

Where and how does healing start? In our schools, whether it is a teen-suicide or drunk-driver fatality, the community embraces the school. Good food appears. Therapy dogs walk the halls with their handlers. Somehow the presence of these loving animals begins to mend the broken pieces. 

Kitten rescues increase in families who are suffering. Whether our pain is personal or collective, the presence of a small animal takes us outside of ourselves and cuddles us in the blanket of their unconditional love. 

We may have our broken pieces for a very long time, nevertheless, they will mend. I found I was willing to take creative risks to start a new life, to form new connections with people from all over the world who are doing what I am doing: reach and teach people through books and touching wounded  minds and hearts. It certainly wasn’t what I had imagined 10 years ago nor is it a task for the faint-hearted! 

Aloha love,

Carla

Mission Statement: I am committed to being an effective member of the global digital community. Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC 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 for academic enrichment. The chapter books are historical fiction and help students to read between-the-lines while using critical thinking skills.

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

I Have Digital Literary Skills: 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: 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 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.