
Module 6 - Session 4
SELF-AWARENESS AND SELF-DIRECTION
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 4: Self-Awareness and Self-Direction.
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 4 in the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 4. 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 we help our students build self-awareness and self-direction?
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How do the competencies of self-awareness and self-direction help students demonstrate positive behaviors across learning environments?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Become familiar with SEL competencies related to self-direction.
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Identify effective SEL practices that develop self-awareness and self-direction across learning environments.
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Develop strategies that encourage self-awareness and self-direction across learning environments from three case studies.
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 self-awareness and self-direction.
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 6.4.1 – Reflect on Self-Direction.
If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 6 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
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 4 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH
Tune into our Module 6 – Session 4 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 6 – Session 4 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!

SEL for Students: Emotion Regulation
Synopsis: This webpage defines emotion regulation and offers examples of emotion regulation strategies.
Format: Article
Time: Varies
“Rose, Bud, Thorn” Journaling Guide
Synopsis: This is an example of a structured activity that builds self-awareness for use in the classroom.
Format: Activity Plan
Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Self-Regulation by Modeling
Synopsis: This Edutopia video shows a teacher modeling self-regulation language and techniques.
Format: Video
Time: 3 minutes
Remote Learning: Self-Regulation and SEL
Synopsis: Self-regulation and emotional granularity are key SEL concepts for students learning across environments. Find out why and how families can support these skills.
Format: Video
Time: 7 minutes

How to Help Kids with Emotional Self-Regulation
Synopsis: Authentic Parenting host Anna Seewald discusses emotional self-regulation with a clinical psychologist.
Format: Podcast
Time: 60 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 6.4.2 – Building Self-Awareness and Self-Direction Skills.
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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 6.4.3 – Design a Routine that Supports Self-Awareness and Self-Direction. 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
Topic: Frameworks to facilitate discussion of the dynamic nature of four essential skills in learning — collaboration, communication, creativity, and self-direction
Format: Resources
Time: Varies
6 Strategies to Support the Development of Self-Directed Learners
Topic: Strategies to help students become self-directed learners
Format: Blog
Time: 6 minutes
Significance of Self-Directed Learning
Topic: Factors influencing self-directed learning, the benefits of self-directed learning, and the role of educators in supporting this critical skill
Format: Research Paper
Time: 20 minutes