Lunch Bunch

I would like to implement a lunch bunch with my students in my classroom once or twice a week. The demographic of students would be ones having difficulty making friends, autistic/special needs, or lacking social skills (in all areas), and a classroom sign up sheet with whoever wanted to join us for that week. I would ask a para educator or school counselor if they would be interested in helping run the group. During my lunch bunch I would take this as an opportunity to get to know my students on a different level, using a form of restorative justice. Learning about their passions, family life, dreams, and try to implement that in the classroom during the school year. We can also talk about their feelings and why certain situations made them feel this way. Then brainstorm ideas on how to positively solve the issue. This will add a layer of social emotional learning (SEL) into their weekly routines.

Rationale

According to Casel, SEL helps provide social and emotional skills needed to increase student engagement. It can also promote higher academics because students are more engaged and receptive to learning. I feel this skill also prepares students for real life situations such as relationship building, workplace readiness, and creates a sense of empathy. The main goal is to provide the tools and strategies needed to understand and manage their emotions. One obstacle might be an increase in student behaviors if they model their peers. Another might be a parent who is upset because their child has been chosen to join this group and feels they are being targeted (Casel, n.d.).

References Casel (n.d.). Article: The Benefits of SEL. Retrieved from: https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/what-does-the-research-say/