Social Emotional Learning

Our SEL program at Saklan is guided by Responsive Classroom. Our teachers have been trained in Responsive Classroom and implement the language and practices consistently throughout the school. Our goal is to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms where every student can develop strong social and academic skills and thrive.

Each month the school focuses on a different Social Emotional Learning (SEL) topic, incorporating it into lessons and discussions from Preschool through eighth grade. These also directly influence the lessons taught during Family Groups.

Positive student-teacher relationships make communication meaningful. Students learn that making mistakes is a natural and essential part of learning; taking responsibility and internalizing the lesson is easier with trusting adults to guide them.

Saklan students develop a strong sense of self through our SEL program. They know their own strengths and challenges and are aware of others’ needs and emotions.

What SEL Skills Do Saklan Students Develop?

Through Saklan’s SEL program, students develop skills in:

• Self-awareness — recognizing their emotions, strengths, challenges, and needs
• Empathy — understanding and responding to the feelings and perspectives of others
• Communication — expressing ideas, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully
• Conflict resolution — working through disagreements and finding constructive solutions
• Responsibility — taking ownership of choices, actions, and their impact on others
• Resilience — navigating challenges, learning from mistakes, and persevering
• Collaboration — listening to others, sharing ideas, and working effectively as part of a team

From Preschool through eighth grade, SEL is woven into the daily experience at Saklan, helping students grow as learners, friends, collaborators, and community members.