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Last week, I shared how core values, a positive attitude, and self-worth can shape learning. Today, I want to take a closer look at how social emotional learning (SEL) shows up in everyday classroom experiences, and how it helps students develop skills they carry far beyond school.  One thing I’ve always believed is that SEL doesn’t need to be complicated or formal to be effective. Some of the most important learning happens during ordinary moments, routines, conversations, and the ways a classroom community functions day to day. Over the years, I have noticed that children who feel safe and respected are better able to manage their emotions, work through conflicts, and focus on learning. Classroom management wasn’t just about rules or schedules; it was about relationships. When children felt connected and understood, cooperation and engagement came more naturally.  The beginning of the school year was always an important time for this. Taking time to build community, learn about one another, and establish positive expectations helped set the tone for everything that followed. Activities as simple as sharing “something I’m proud of” or creating a classroom agreement together helped children feel they belonged. These small experiences told them, "You matter, and your voice is valued."  SEL also helps children develop skills they carry for life: problem-solving, self-reflection, empathy, and resilience. Even simple routines, like waiting your turn, helping a classmate, or talking through frustration, teach them to understand and manage their emotions while respecting others. Over time, these daily interactions build habits of thought and behavior that extend far beyond the classroom walls.  I’ve also seen how reflection and discussion can support mental health. Asking students to notice how they feel, what strategies help them calm down, or what they can do differently next time gives them tools to cope with challenges both in school and in life. SEL isn’t something extra; it’s part of every conversation, activity, and interaction that values children as people first and learners second.  Here are some gentle ways to embed SEL in everyday moments:
 Looking back over these posts, it’s clear to me that teaching is as much about people as it is about curriculum. Core values, the belief that every child can learn, the importance of attitude, and the focus on self-worth, quietly shape how we teach and how children see themselves. Social emotional learning builds on those values, showing up in everyday classroom moments, routines, and relationships, and giving children skills that last a lifetime.  While programs, schedules, and expectations change, the heart of teaching remains the same: creating environments where children feel valued, capable, and connected. I hope these reflections offer encouragement, ideas, and perhaps a reminder that even small, intentional actions, a kind word, a reflective question, or a simple activity can have a lasting impact. Teaching is a journey, and revisiting these ideas has reminded me just how powerful the everyday moments can be.  If you would like some resources for teaching self esteem and SEL, check out my Self Esteem and SEL category in my TPT store.   Related Posts When I look back at my teaching and early blog posts, I can see how strongly my core values shaped everything I did, even when I wasn’t always aware of it. I believed that every child could learn, and I believed that attitude mattered. Those two ideas quietly influenced how I planned, how I responded to challenges, and how I supported students who were struggling.  Over the years, I noticed that children who believed in themselves were more willing to take risks. They tried even when learning felt hard. They bounced back more easily when things didn’t go as planned. Helping students develop a positive attitude wasn’t about pretending everything was easy or perfect. It was about helping them see that effort mattered and that mistakes were part of learning.  I often used a simple analogy with my students: Tigger and Eeyore. Tigger approaches every situation with energy, curiosity, and a “let’s try it” attitude, while Eeyore tends to focus on what might go wrong. Neither approach is permanent; we all have moments of both, but helping students notice their mindset and encouraging a Tigger-like outlook often made a big difference. When children saw challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles, they became more engaged and more willing to take responsibility for their learning.  I also often reminded students with a few short phrases: “Attitude is everything” and “Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?” These simple reminders helped children reflect on their mindset and the influence it had on themselves and the classroom around them.  I learned that self-esteem doesn’t grow solely from praise. It grows when children experience success, feel respected, and know that the adults around them truly believe in them. Small, everyday interactions, the way we speak to students, the expectations we set, and the patience we show, all play a role in shaping how children see themselves as learners. Now, with some distance from the classroom and time spent volunteering, these ideas feel even more important. Programs change, language changes, and expectations shift, but the impact of belief, attitude, and optimism remains constant. When children feel valued, capable, and encouraged to approach challenges positively, learning has a much better chance of taking hold.  Without adding extra “lessons,” teachers can reinforce a Tigger-like mindset through small, simple practices: noticing effort instead of just results, celebrating mistakes as learning opportunities, asking reflective questions like “What’s one thing you tried today that you’re proud of?”, or modeling calm problem-solving when challenges arise. These little moments quietly help children build confidence and resilience over time.  These ideas naturally lead to another question: How does social emotional learning show up in everyday classroom experiences, and how can it give children skills they carry for life? That’s what I want to explore in the next post.  If you’re looking for classroom activities to reinforce positive self-esteem and mindset, my SEL resources provide you with some simple, ready-to-use ideas. Check them out here. As I reflect on the many blog posts I’ve written over the years, one thing becomes very clear: there are certain ideas I keep coming back to. I sometimes joke that I sound like a broken record, but the truth is, these ideas mattered to me then, and they still do now because I’ve seen how well they work.  Over time, I’ve realized that much of my writing returns to core beliefs about teaching, meeting children where they are, building confidence, and recognizing that learning doesn’t occur in isolation. These beliefs quietly shaped my teaching, even when I didn’t always stop to name them.  When I was teaching full-time, I probably wouldn’t have sat down and listed my core values. But looking back, I can see how strongly they influenced my choices. I believed every child could learn, and I knew that attitude played a big role in how children approached challenges. Those beliefs showed up in how I planned, how I responded when things didn’t go smoothly, and how I supported students who needed extra encouragement. In recent years, as I’ve spent time volunteering in classrooms since retiring, those beliefs have only been reinforced. Programs change, and new ideas come and go, but the things that really matter tend to stay the same. Respect, optimism, and belief in children still sit at the heart of good teaching.  This series is my way of stepping back and pulling together some of those recurring ideas from past blog posts. Rather than revisiting each one individually, I want to highlight the key themes that continue to feel important and look at how they’ve held up over time. In some ways, this feels like a roundup. In other ways, it’s a chance to reflect on the final years of my teaching career and what I’ve learned since.  As I work through these reflections, drawing on the ideas and experiences of the last several years, I’m sure there will be moments of affirmation and moments of rethinking. I hope that what I share offers a broader view of how our core values, our understanding of children, and the curriculum we’re asked to teach can work together in meaningful ways.  I’ll focus on one area at a time so things don’t get too overwhelming, although there will naturally be some overlap. Teaching rarely fits into neat categories, and my thinking doesn’t either.  Related Posts When you think of guided reading, you probably picture helping struggling readers: sounding out words, building sight word fluency, and learning to track print. But what about your advanced readers? It’s easy to assume they’ll be fine on their own, quietly reading a chapter book while you work with other groups. And yes, they often can manage solo. But that doesn’t mean they’re getting the instructional challenge and enrichment they need to keep growing. Fluent readers benefit just as much from guided reading, just in a different way. Let’s look at how you can plan meaningful guided reading lessons for your strongest students.  They Still Need to Be Taught!Advanced readers often:
But they may still struggle with:
In other words, they’re ready to go deeper, not just faster.  Ideas for Small Group Work with Fluent ReadersYou don’t need fancy materials or long novel studies to challenge your top group. Here are simple but powerful activities that fit into your regular rotation: 1. Short Text Discussions Use short, engaging texts: a news article, poem, fable, or a thought-provoking passage from a novel. Example: “What lesson does this character learn? Do you agree with their decision?” 2. Find the Evidence Challenge students to prove their thinking. Prompt: “What part of the text makes you say that?” Let them highlight, underline, or use sticky notes to mark evidence. 3. Compare and Contrast Read two texts on a similar topic (fiction and nonfiction works great). Ask: “How do the authors’ views differ?” or “Which version helped you understand more?” 4. Point of View and Perspective Explore how the story might change if told by another character. Prompt: “Retell this scene from another character’s perspective.” 5. Writer’s Response After reading, students write a short piece that mirrors the author’s style or uses a vocabulary word they discovered. Task: “Write your own ending to this story using at least 3 new words from today’s text.”  They Don’t Need to Read Everything AloneReading aloud or in partners still benefits fluent readers. It builds expression, vocabulary, and confidence. You can also use audiobook excerpts or teacher-read sections to model tone and pacing before diving into discussions.  Keep It Brief But ThoughtfulEven your strongest readers only need 15–20 minutes at your table. You’re not assigning more work, you’re helping them grow as thinkers. Make sure your advanced group still rotates through the same kinds of centers: Independent Reading Vocabulary or Writing Practice Listening Center or Book Club Audio Word Study or Extension Tasks This keeps expectations consistent and ensures they don’t feel like they’re just “waiting for the teacher to help someone else.”  Guided reading isn't just about catching students up; it's about pushing them forward, no matter their starting point. Your strongest readers deserve your time and guidance just as much as your developing ones.  You don’t have to create a whole gifted program, just provide space for rich thinking and conversation. Check out these novel studies that might work well for these students.  Related Posts You’ve grouped your students. You’ve got a rotation routine. The rest of the class is building independence in centers. You’re finally sitting down at the teacher table with your first small group, and then: Now what? What do I teach during guided reading time? Don’t worry. Whether your students are just learning to blend sounds or are ready for novels and deep discussion, this post will help you plan short, focused lessons for every group.  First: Keep It Short and SweetGuided reading lessons are meant to be:
 Group 1: Emergent Readers (Still Learning Sounds and Letters)Goals: Build phonemic awareness and letter knowledge Lesson Focus:
 Group 2: Early Readers (Beginning to Decode Simple Texts)Goals: Strengthen decoding and sight word recognition Lesson Focus:
 Group 3: Transitional Readers (Reading with Growing Fluency)Goals: Improve fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension Lesson Focus:
 Group 4: Fluent Readers (Reading Chapter Books or Simple Novels)Goals: Deepen comprehension and critical thinking Lesson Focus:
 Group 5: Strong Readers (Reading Novels)These goals and activities are similar to Group 4 but with more complex material. Goals: Deepen comprehension and critical thinking Lesson Focus:
Here's a sample schedule for direct instruction with the teacher. It gives a possible rotation and some guidance as to what to do with each group. Grab your copy by clicking the button below.  Matching Instruction to NeedsThe most important thing is this: Teach the strategy your students need right now, not everything at once. If your group is still struggling to decode, focus there. If they can read smoothly but don’t understand what they read, shift to comprehension. If they’re flying through texts, go deeper with writing or analysis. Your goal isn’t to get through a checklist; it’s to move each reader forward.  In the final post in this series, we’ll look at how to support advanced readers: the ones who are often left to read independently. They still need guidance, and I’ll share simple ways to make sure they’re growing too. Related Posts Let’s be honest, guided reading sounds great in theory. Small groups, targeted instruction, and real growth. But the big question every teacher has is: "What are the rest of the kids doing while I meet with a group?" And a close second: "How do I group my students if they’re all at different places?" This post will help you tackle both of those questions, so you can get started sooner, even if you don’t have classroom support. My hope is you’ll walk away with a simple structure for your guided reading groups, and you'll find practical center ideas to keep the rest of the class engaged and on-task. Let's get started.  Start With Flexible, Skill-Based GroupsWhen you're grouping students, remember: it's not about finding the perfect level, it’s about matching kids with similar needs. You might start with 3 to 5 groups:
 A Simple Rotation SystemYou don’t need a fancy system. You will need a few different centers and a rotation schedule. Depending on your available time and the levels of your groups, you could use 4-5 rotations. Here's a 5-station rotation sample: 1. Teacher Table Guided reading with you 2. Word Work Hands-on phonics, vocabulary, spelling, or dictionary work 3. Independent Reading Quiet reading with leveled books or free choice 4. Listening Center Audiobooks, response journals 5. Writing Center writing prompts, storyboards, responding to reading You’ll meet with one group per rotation while the other students rotate through the other four activities. Check out this rotation template for keeping track of the various groups.  How Many Groups Should You Have?There’s no magic number, but most teachers find that 3 to 5 groups work well, depending on your class size and available time. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If you're short on time, you can combine similar groups or meet with certain ones more frequently than others. For example:
 What Should the Other Kids Be Doing?Here are some center ideas that work and build literacy skills at the same time: 1. Word Work
 Start Slow and Build UpHere’s what many teachers get wrong: they try to launch all the centers and groups at once. Instead, take your time:
 Organizing RotationsPost your rotation chart where all students can see it. Use:
 You’re not aiming for perfection, you’re aiming for progress. If a group doesn’t work, change it. If a center flops, try something else. Your goal is to create a rhythm that allows you to teach intentionally while your students build independence. And yes, it’s possible, even without extra help.  In the next post, we’ll take a closer look at what to teach in each of your guided reading groups, from phonemic awareness to chapter book discussions. I’ll break down what works at each stage and how to keep your lessons short, focused, and effective. Related Posts When it comes to guided reading, one of the first things teachers ask is: “How do I know what level my students are at?” It’s a good question and an important one, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You don’t need a formal testing kit, a stopwatch, or a week of one-on-one assessments to get started. Some of the best information comes from simply watching and listening. So if you're feeling unsure about how to assess your students at the beginning of the year, take a breath. You're already doing more than you think.  What Are You Really Assessing?Guided reading isn't just about finding a reading "level." You're looking at:
 Every Day ObservationsYou don’t have to pull students aside for formal reading assessments right away. The first week or two of school gives you plenty of chances to gather useful information just by watching:
One of the easiest ways to gather this information is during independent or silent reading time. While the rest of the class is quietly reading, you can pull students one at a time for a quick reading check or sit beside a student and listen in. You’ll be able to learn a lot in just a few minutes, and the rest of the class will stay engaged in a purposeful task.  A Simple Way to Track What You NoticeWhen you're ready to go a bit deeper, choose a few short texts:
Have the student read aloud while you follow along and jot quick notes:
 Try a Quick Reading CheckAs you observe kids reading or do an informal assessment with them, record what you notice on these observation sheets. They include 3 different forms: one for beginning readers, one for transitional readers, and one for advanced readers. These charts can help you spot patterns and group students with similar needs, even before formal testing.  Assessing Should Be On-goingYour groups are not set in stone. Kids move quickly at this age. You’ll continue to gather insights every time you work with a group, and you’ll shift your instruction as they grow. Tip: Set a reminder every few weeks to revisit your notes and update your groups. What felt like a good fit in September might look different in October.  What If You’re Still Not Sure?That’s okay! When in doubt, start small:
 In the next post, we’ll talk about how to group students without guilt, and how to keep your groups flexible, fluid, and functional (even when your time is limited). You’re not behind. You’re building something. Start with what you see, and grow from there. Related Posts Whether you're already back in class or about to return, the following is probably true. You have just received your new students, and now it's time to get going. You look at your class list and wonder how on earth you’re going to teach reading to kids who range from just learning letter sounds to reading chapter books, while managing the rest of the room at the same time. You’re not alone.  Here’s the good news: you can do it. You don’t need extra helpers. (Of course, additional people to help would be wonderful.) You don’t even need a set program or every detail figured out before you begin. What you do need is a simple system that lets you meet your students where they are, and helps the rest of your class stay meaningfully engaged while you teach. That’s where guided reading with centers and rotations comes in. (See further in this post for some free templates.)  Over the next few posts, I’ll walk you through exactly how to:
Whether you’re brand new to guided reading or just trying to make it more manageable, this series is here to help you feel confident and in control, even if you’re the only adult in the room. What Is Guided Reading?In a nutshell, guided reading is a small group lesson with kids who are working on the same reading goals. You meet with one group at a time, while the rest of your students are working independently in centers or stations. Each group might be working on something completely different:
The beauty of guided reading is that it’s flexible, so you can adjust as students grow.  But What About the Other Kids?This is the part that makes many teachers nervous, and I get it. I remember feeling that way when I first started doing guided reading groups. The key is to train your students to work in centers while you meet with one group at a time. These centers are geared to the various groups and are meant to reinforce skills and help kids practice independently. They are not just busy work. Start with just one or two centers and build from there. Your students will learn the routines, and the rotations will flow smoothly. And yes, even first graders can do this! I'll be sharing simple center ideas and rotation tips in an upcoming post, so stay tuned.  You Don’t Need to Do Everything at OnceThis is worth repeating: Start Small. In the first few weeks, focus on:
Your guided reading groups don’t have to be perfect right away. You can start with flexible groups based on quick observations, and then refine them after you’ve had a chance to assess.  And if you want a little something to help you get started right away, here are some simple Guided Reading Rotation Chart Templates you can use to plan your groups and centers. These templates can be customized to fit your groups as you become more comfortable with the various activities and centers that will work with your class. In the next post, I’ll walk you through how to assess your students without stress and what to look for when deciding how to group them. Spoiler: it doesn’t have to involve a mountain of paperwork.  Related Posts The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind. New faces, new names, new routines and the to-do list that never seems to end. If you’re already feeling the weight of it all, know this: you are not alone. And it’s completely okay to take a step back, breathe, and approach the start of the year gently. Here are some ideas to help you avoid overwhelm while still building the classroom you dream of.  Try A Three Bucket StrategyThink of your day in three buckets:
 Give Yourself Permission to SimplifyYour classroom doesn’t need to be flashy or packed with activities all at once. Build in some breathing room. Read-alouds are magic. Outdoor learning is grounding. Open-ended activities give kids space to be themselves. It’s okay to ease in. Your students will still thrive with your attention and care.  If you are looking for some low prep, ready to go activities, worksheets and teacher forms, check out this back to school ready to go kit. It can save you time and give you some space to plan out your lessons and units while keeping the kids active and reviewing skills and concepts.  Connection Comes Before ContentBefore jumping into academics, spend time learning about your students:
 Pace YourselfSome days will be packed and productive. Others will be slow and messy, and that’s okay. Try to plan your week with flexibility in mind. Celebrate small wins, like one smooth transition or one child who tries a new activity.  Check In With Yourself, TooTeaching is a marathon, not a sprint. Make space for rest, connection with friends or family, and moments of joy outside the classroom. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself why you do this work and give yourself grace.  The start of the school year isn’t a race to the finish line. It’s a gentle unfolding: building routines, relationships, and confidence step by step. You don’t have to do it all today or even this week. Your students will benefit most from your calm presence, steady encouragement, and patience. You are enough. Your pace is perfect. Here’s to a kind, hopeful, and joyful beginning. Related Posts There’s a lot of talk about classroom routines, and for good reason. But here’s the thing: routines aren’t just about order. They’re about creating a sense of safety and belonging for your students. In the early weeks of school, your kids are learning far more than letters and numbers. They’re learning how your classroom works, how to interact with you and each other, and how to move through their day with confidence. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But choosing a few routines to teach really well can make your classroom feel calmer, more predictable, and more joyful for everyone, including you. Here are some routines worth focusing on right from the start:  Morning EntryThe way students arrive can set the tone for the entire day. A few guiding questions:
Keep it simple. Once they know the pattern, it becomes automatic and gives you a smoother start, too.  Transitions and Moving Around the RoomTeaching kids how to move from the carpet to their desks (and back again), line up quietly, or clean up centers is pure gold. Whether you use a bell, a chime, or a simple hand signal, teach kids what to do when it’s time to shift from one activity to another. It’s tempting to think “they’ll figure it out,” but clear, consistent routines save hours of redirecting later. Try this:
 Asking for HelpThis one gets overlooked, but it’s a game-changer. Do students know:
Kids want to do well, they just need to know the steps.  Tidying Up and Organizing SuppliesIf you don’t show them where the glue sticks go… they’ll guess. 😅 Take time to show:
 What To Do When You're DoneThis might be the most important one of all. Without a plan for early finishers, you’ll end up with a dozen hands waving in the air while you’re trying to work with a small group. Avoid that chorus of "I'm done!" by giving kids clear choices for early finisher activities. Here are a few examples: A “When I’m Done” board or visual A bin of drawing paper, puzzles, math games, or writing prompts A choice board or fast finisher folder Teach it early. Practice it together. Then you’ll be free to actually focus when working one-on-one or in small groups.  It’s okay to take your time with routines. In fact, it’s better that way. The more clearly you teach them now, the more smoothly your days will run later. There will be fewer interruptions, less frustration, and more time for real learning (and laughter!). And if it feels like you're repeating the same thing for the tenth day in a row? You probably are. That’s not a sign you’re behind, it’s a sign you’re laying a strong foundation.  Are you looking for routine or schedule cards for you daily work? Check out these cards. They are great for both English and French classrooms. Remember: Your routines are more than rules, they’re the heartbeat of your classroom. You’ve got this! Related Posts |
About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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