We Are Connected

We Are Connected teaches us that everyone who comes into our lives can help us to achieve and live our dreams. Working with, for, and through others is crucial for realizing our dreams. When you understand this and constantly seek the positives from relationships with others, your performance in every area of your life improves.

Check out the zone at least once a week! It's fun to move around and connect with others!

1. Respect others individuality- Show genuine interest in others thoughts, opinions and interests. Avoid being dismissive or judgmental. Embrace others uniqueness.
2. Active listening- Listen more than you speak. Give others your full attention- this shows that you value their perspective and feelings.
3. Empathy- Acknowledge others feelings and offer support.
4. Share interests- Find common interests or activities that you have in common. Shared activities can create bonding experiences.
5. Stay up to date- Be aware of current trends, pop culture and technology. This can help you engage in relevant conversations and bridge generational or socioeconomic gaps.
6. Be open-minded- Be open to new ideas and perspectives. Avoid being overly critical of others choices- even if you disagree.
7. Be Patient- Establishing a strong connection takes time. Don't force conversations and/or expect immediate results.
8. Respect others space- Avoid prying into others lives, but let them know you are there if they want to talk.
9. Use technology- Connect through social media, texting and other digital platforms. Be sure to respect their boundaries and privacy.
10. Share your experiences- Sharing your own experiences can show you are relatable and can lead to valuable conversations.
11. Support others goals- Encourage their aspirations. Offer guidance and encouragement.
12. Respect others sense of humor- A light sense of humor can go a long way, but be cautious not to offend.
13. Ask open-ended questions- Ask questions that encourage them to share more than 1 word answers. This can lead to deeper conversations and help them express their thoughts.
14. Be non-judgmental- If they confide in you about problems or mistakes, respond with understanding rather than criticism. This will make them more likely to trust you in the future.
15. Involve them- When making decisions, make their opinions feel valued and respected.

1. Do spend time talking about and modeling the We Are Connected Mindset at home by embracing everyone, finding ways to connect with others and learn from them.

2. Don’t spend time talking about others negatively. It’s better to focus on the positive things that people bring into our lives rather than on the negative experiences others may create. Keep in mind that “energy flows where attention goes” when discussing and focusing our energy on others.

3. Do look for ways to connect with other people. By celebrating life with friends and family and spending time going places with others and connecting, we learn the importance of these relationships.

4. Don’t discourage new friendships. Find value in connections with peers. Learn your values and what’s most important when building relationships with others.

5. Do find ways to give back and lead with value in the community. Serving others teaches us a lot about ourselves and the importance of cooperation. You never know who might be the next person to help you through something, help you get a new job, or assist you with something else, so it’s always a good idea to put yourself out there and help others first.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. We believe in educating the whole child and approaching learning holistically which is why we intentionally incorporate the principles of SEL into our classrooms. You may hear your teachers refer to SEL as “Mindsets” which is easier to understand and apply to life. It has been found that our happiness and success are based on how we think and approach the world around us, in other words, our mindset!

Of course, social and emotional learning starts at home. Each home serves as a critical partner in helping students develop social and emotional know-how. Start by reflecting on this question – what is your dream for yourself? (Or, what is your dream for your child?) Stay tuned for more – we will share strategies and activities each month around a key mindset.