
Module 6 - Session 3
SOCIAL AWARENESS AND RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING
Social Emotional Learning Across Learning Environments

GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 6: Social Emotional Learning Across Learning Environments!
Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers infuse social emotional learning (SEL) into teaching and learning across learning environments (in-person, remote, and hybrid).
Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions that will support social emotional learning across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 6 – Session 3: Social Awareness and Relationship-Building.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 3 in the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 3. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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How can I effectively integrate social awareness and relationship-building into my daily practice?
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How can community-building circles connect the CASEL 5 and NYSED Benchmark 2?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Understand how NYSED’s SEL Benchmark 2 aligns with the CASEL 5.
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Integrate community-building circles as a means to develop social awareness and support positive relationships across learning environments.
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Create consistent practices that support social awareness and positive relationship-building as aligned with NYSED’s Benchmark 2.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on helping students build the SEL competencies of social awareness and relationship-building.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 6.3.1 – Classroom Relationships.
If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ
Dive into our Module 6 – Session 3 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH
Tune into our Module 6 – Session 3 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 6 – Session 3 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Community-Building Circles - CASEL Schoolguide
Synopsis: CASEL’s step-by-step guide for community-building circles includes a planning template and sample prompts for circles on four different themes.
Format: Article
Time: 30 minutes
SEL for Students: Social Awareness and Relationship Skills
Synopsis: This Greater Good in Education toolkit for social awareness and relationship skills aligns with CASEL’s framework and includes a database of practices organized by grade level and time.
Format: Toolkit
Time: 20 minutes

Core Processes of Restorative Justice Circles
Synopsis: This video reviews the components of community-building circles to strengthen relationships between members of the school community, enhance learning, address conflict, and support students.
Format: Video
Time: 12 minutes
Weekly Circles: Building Community to Foster Academic Achievement
Synopsis: This video depicts a weekly community-building circle that builds a strong school community and helps students become better learners, as well as a teacher circle to strengthen relationships and educator practices.
Format: Video
Time: 6 minutes

Implementing Community-Building Circles with Trisha Cook
Synopsis: Principal Trisha Cook discusses her elementary school’s journey to implement restorative practices, specifically using community-building circles.
Format: Podcast
Time: 28 minutes
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 6.3.2 – Checking In with Students Across Learning Environments.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 6.3.3 – Design a Community-Building Circle. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
The Power of Community Circles
Topic: Detailed example of a community circle to develop SEL skills and a positive classroom climate
Format: Article
Time: 10 minutes
Circling Up for Community-Building
Topic: The use of community-building circles to build classroom community
Format: Article
Time: 8 minutes
35 Restorative Justice Circle Questions to Engage Middle School Students
Topic: 35 sample questions to use with middle school students in community-building circles
Format: Blog
Time: 8 minutes
5 Keys to Social and Emotional Learning Success
Topic: Five key practices for SEL and interviews from schools around the country
Format: Video
Time: 6 minutes