Categories: Covid-19Social Emotional LearningSTEAM in Education

SEL: Closing Out 2020 With Courage, Positivity & Perseverance

This has been a year for the history books. From COVID-19 to economic peril, from social distancing to distance learning, and from Presidential Election to our President’s hospitalization…we are experiencing an overabundance of uncertainty. 2020 is at once monumental and traumatic. How do we respond? Let’s discuss SEL: Closing Out 2020 With Courage, Positivity & Perseverance

During this final quarter of the year, we are preparing for holiday celebrations in a world we have never known. Now more than ever, we need to reflect on what this year has taught us and, as Winston Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

We need Courage – standing up for what is right; facing our fears, and Perseverance – sticking to it; not giving up. We must not give in to fear. When we fear, evil wins…whether that evil is hatred, lack of forgiveness, racism, or violence. Instead, we are challenged to respond in love. But how do we show that love?

We can each choose to show love daily to the people in our world. This is when life becomes day-by-day, moment-by-moment. We can demonstrate love to our family, friends, and community through the small things we do. Choosing to love even in the midst of a mess is powerful. We won’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good. We are holding onto hope. Once again, the wise words of Winston Churchill ring true: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

What opportunity do you see for love?

Tips for Families & Educators

• Be aware of how much time you spend listening to the news. Keeping current is one thing, but a steady diet of bad news can breed anxiety. Your children pick up on your feelings. Do what you can to stay at peace.

• Talk to your children about current events. Answer questions, but avoid going into too much detail.

• Reassure your children of their safety. Remind them that you and the other caring adults in their lives are watching out for them.

• Focus on relationships. Take time for conversations, and ask, “How is your heart today?”

Give and serve together. Even though we are social distancing, there are creative ways to help those in need or spread joy.

Tamara Fyke: Author

Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, which provides mental health, SEL, and wellness curriculum and content. She is also the editor of Building People: Social-Emotional Learning for Kids, Families, Schools & Communities.

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Tamara Fyke

Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, which provides mental health, SEL, and wellness curriculum and content. She is also the editor of Building People: Social-Emotional Learning for Kids, Families, Schools & Communities.