Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Teachers at Lake Tahoe School are deeply committed to not only developing their students’ curiosity and love of learning, but also to their fully-rounded development, which includes Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

The curriculum used in grades K-3 is The Toolbox Project, which covers the basis to being a healthy human being and encourages deeper understanding and insight and higher skill development at each level. The lessons begin with Breathing, and then move through Having a Quiet/Safe Place, Listening, Empathy, Importance of Personal Space, Using Our Words, Garbage Can (let the little things go), Taking Time, Please & Thank You, Apology & Forgiveness, Patience, and Courage. Teachers interweave these lessons throughout other subjects and activities during the school day. More information on this curriculum is available at toolboxproject.com.

In 4th-8th, Every Monday Matters emphasizes the importance of knowing why we matter. EMM’s curriculum focuses on concepts such as resilience, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and hope. Each week, students do an activity with a “Mattering Mindset” which ties together the three goals of knowing why “I Matter,” “You Matter,” and “We Matter.” Knowing why we matter helps us approach every day with purpose and meaning, engaging, supporting, and empowering one another, and contributing to the betterment of the greater good with our unique selves. More information on this curriculum is available at everymondaymatters.com.

In a strategic plan initiative to build out our wellness program, we have a full-time Director of Wellness/School Counselor on campus, Abby Smalley. Abby works alongside the teachers and with parents to help our students become the best people they can be and to live lives of balance, empowerment, meaning, and community.