February Volunteer of the Month - Christine Tokunaga!

Christine has been volunteering with Words Alive for five years as an office volunteer, Art & Lit facilitator, and as part of the Armed Services YMCA Neighborhood Exchange support team. Christine is always eager to learn and try new things and is committed to helping support Words Alive’s mission of connecting children, teens, and families to the power of reading. Now, let’s hear from Christine!

Q: So, tell us a little about yourself. 

A: I’m a native to Southern California. Originally an elementary school teacher.  Currently working with Point Loma Nazarene University, School of Education as a University Supervisor and adjunct professor.   I love reading, art, traveling, and spending time with my family.  

Q: How long have you been volunteering for Words Alive?

A: I have been volunteering for about 5 years.  

Q: What brought you to Words Alive? How did you first get involved with Words Alive?

A: I started with Rolling Readers in 2013 and continued on with Words Alive when Rolling Readers joined Words Alive.  

Q: What do you enjoy most about your volunteer roles? 

A: I’m a children’s book hoarder.  I love reading them, looking at the art, reading them to children, talking about them, holding them, turning the pages, and being in their presence.  No matter what I’m doing to help with Words Alive, I love that I can be around children’s books and share them.  

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your roles?  

A: I once met a person that said that it was unfortunate that all children didn’t try to reach for the moon.  It was an "a ha” moment for me as a novice teacher because I knew all my students were capable of reaching the moon but I told this person that day, that not all children have had the opportunity to learn what the moon is and some have never seen the moon.  It's hard to reach for something you do not know exists.  As an elementary teacher, I’ve worked in many underrepresented areas where our children do not have access to so much out there. I helped student by student, class by class, but Words Alive empowers parents, preschoolers to college-bound students to be able to reach the moon.  It is rewarding to be a small part of that enormous work.  

Q: What is your favorite memory of volunteering with Words Alive?

A: One of my favorite memories of Words Alive was listening to one of the ABG students at the Words Alive Art & Lit exhibit at the San Diego Art Institute.  He described his experience with reading, discussing and creating art together with his class.  It was so moving to see the young man speak about how his class related to the story and characters and how it helped open opportunities to express themselves, bond, and extend their learning.  It was so amazing to see what an impact that ABG has had in the lives of all their students but also to see all the proud families gathered to share in all their hard work.

Q: And by the way, what are you reading lately?

A: I just started reading a new novel written by a friend, The Secret Jesus: The Modern Novel by Sue Stephenson.  It’s an intriguing non-religious fiction story about Christ's DNA being discovered in an ancient relic―and secretly used to create a boy.  

Social Emotional Learning: Forgiveness

By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer

Forgiveness Comes with a Life Present

A lot has been said, but maybe not enough, about the need for attention to Social Emotional Learning in the educational system. Words Alive is following in the footsteps of the "Choose Love Program," which is working to integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)  in schools. They designed an enrichment program that aims to help children acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to recognize and regulate emotions, have a positive goal, have empathy for others, build positive relationships, and ultimately make responsible decisions.

"The Choose Love Program" believes that this task is possible when kids master the four pillars of their program, which are: Gratitude, Courage, Compassion, and Forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is one of the four pillars because it can liberate us and give us a better emotional state.

Forgiveness and Mental Heath

According to Psychology Today (2020), forgiveness is vital for mental health. To become emotionally free, it is important to create a separation from a conflictive situation and the self.  This way, resentment can be released. It helps people to be able to move ahead rather than keeping the emotional involvement in injustice or trauma. 

Brain Activity

In the physical scope, carrying the hurt or anger of an offense leads the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Research has repeatedly linked health benefits to the reduction of stress. Eliminating the continuous flow of those hormones may explain why forgiveness yields to better health, such as lowering high blood pressure and heart problems. "There is a connection between forgiveness and mood improvement, optimism, as well as a shield against anger, stress, anxiety, and depression." (Psychology Today, 2020)

Life experiences with trustworthy people or with betrayal influence the range of how much a person will be forgiving. According to Heidi Moawad, MD (2018), forgiveness physically alters the brain's wiring. "It leads from the misery of a broken promise to wellness that builds new neuron pathways into physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being." It is outstanding how forgiveness or the lack of it influences our brain functions. 

Forgiveness and Healing

Tamara Levitt (2013, 2020) affirms that even though forgiving someone might be difficult, it is incredibly healing. She emphasizes that forgiveness is not about justice, it’s about freedom. In this process, we often find that strong negative emotions towards a person who wronged us can soften, even for just a little. One technique she recommends is to take time to feel compassion for the events in the offender's life that brought that person to act the way they did. If so, there might be a shift in our perception. It might help to remember that everyone has their own challenges. She suggests following this practice, even if it is only to help stop the continuous harm of anger and resentment. 

Steps towards Forgiveness

Psychologist Robert Enright (2011) outlines four Steps of Forgiveness. 

• The first is the recognition of your anger by exploring how you've addressed or avoided the emotion. 

• The second is a choice. It is the decision to forgive, regardless of the offender.

• The third is to cultivate forgiveness by developing compassion for the offender. 

• Finally, the last step is to release the harmful emotions and reflect on how you may have grown from the experience and the act of forgiveness itself.

Some of the books on the Words Alive curriculum list that touch on the path towards understanding forgiveness are: 

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan

The Astonishing Color of After is the first book by Emily X.R. Pan's. In it, the topics of emotions, grief, and forgiveness are skillfully treated with the combination of fantasy and reality, using a very artistic approach. The book explores the passage of healing and the inner magic that can happen when we believe. 

Leigh Chen Sanders goes to Taiwan to meet her grandmother, for the first time, in search of answers, after her mother committed suicide. She believes her mother turned into a beautiful bird after her passing. In the story, she searches for clarity and closeness with her; she finds herself chasing after ghosts, uncovering family secrets, and forming a new relationship with her grandparents. It is a novel about love, forgiveness, and self-discovery through family history.

Harbor Me, by Jacquelin Woodson

This book is about six kids that gather in weekly conversations in a classroom with no adults. They talk about their difficulties and find a space to feel safe and grow. When the six are together, they can express their feelings and fears they hide from the rest of the world. This way, they rise braver for the rest of their lives. They discuss topics related to family problems like parent incarceration, racial profiling, and adaptation to change. It is a story about braveness, forgiveness, and friendship.

Hey, Kiddo, by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hey, Kiddo is a memoir of a boy trying to make sense of his life with an addict mother, and a father who he doesn’t know. Krosoczka shows how he came to understand, through a gradual process, his parents' personal issues, as he was simultaneously forming his own identity. Living with his grandparents, he discovered the love for art, which lead him to write this book. It is a story about discoveries, growing up, forgiveness, and the use of art as a means to express and elaborate.

Through forgiveness, we can encounter a freer way to live, an emotional space from conflict, brain and body reduction of harmful stress hormones, and ultimately wellbeing, which can become a present of health and happiness to our life.

Learn more about the SEL topics of Gratitude, Courage, and Compassion.

Sources:

• www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/forgiveness

• www.apa.org/pubs/books/interviews/4441016-enright

• www.tamaralevitt.com/2013/08/19/on-forgiveness-2/

• www.neurologytimes.com/blogs/neurobiology-forgiveness

• Robert D. Enright, Forgiving Life: A Pathway to Overcoming Resentment and Creating a Legacy of Love (APA Lifetools) Hardcover – January 15, 2012 . 

Social Emotional Learning: Compassion

By Joanna Kneller, Blog Volunteer

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an initiative that teaches children specific skills and behaviors to help them manage emotions, make better decisions, create and achieve goals, and treat others with kindness. By practicing these vital skills, children are able to successfully cope with daily challenges and can thrive both inside and outside the academic environment.

The nonprofit organization, Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™, supports SEL by educating children about their thoughts, and how they can change angry thoughts into loving thoughts. Their signature program, The Choose Love Enrichment Program™, integrates SEL to teach students to choose love in any circumstance through self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

The Choose Love program curriculum focuses on four character pillars: Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion. Today we will talk in detail about compassion.

What is Compassion?

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” 

—Leo Buscaglia (author and educator aka "Dr. Love"

The fourth "Choose Love" pillar is compassion in action. The Program Overview defines compassion in action as:

"Compassion has two components: the first is empathy, which means putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to feel what that person feels, and the second is action, which means helping someone in need and performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Compassion in action is the understanding of a problem or suffering of another and acting to solve the problem or alleviate the suffering."

Before children take compassionate action, it's important they understand the meaning of empathy, which can often be confused with sympathy. The Choose Love Program Educator Guide indicates that, Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence researcher and thought-leader, suggests that there are three types of empathy: cognitive, emotional and compassionate. … It further states that, “… Empathy skills lay the foundation for communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, impulse control, relationship skills and leadership skills. …” (Source)

The Choose Love program teaches children necessary empathy skills they can use to support and connect with one another in a compassionate manner.

Why is it Important to Teach Compassion in the SEL Movement?

Teaching students about compassion is vital. The school environment alone can be extremely stressful. Some children struggle to make friends and are often ignored, excluded, and teased or bullied by other students. Many children feel pressured to perform well in class while also dealing with difficult issues at home.   

Children need the support of their peers, teachers, and parents. And compassion plays a major role in building these connections and relationships by teaching children to think about how others are feeling and what they can do to help them.

It's also critical for students and teachers to participate in open discussions and practice activities within the classroom to demonstrate how students can apply their newly learned skills. For example, if a classmate appears to be upset, how can the other students respond in a supportive manner? Or, if a student sees another student struggling, what are some ways to show kindness to that person?

By talking freely in a safe environment, children become more comfortable expressing their feelings and paying attention to other students' feelings, which in turn, helps build empathy. The activities performed within the classroom prepare children to behave appropriately in real-life situations.

Showing compassion towards others is highly beneficial to all involved, and those who practice it will experience:

• Enhanced connections and relationships

• Ability to respond in a kind and loving manner

• Improved social skills

• Social and moral awareness

And one of the greatest benefits is that compassionate children become compassionate adults! 

That's why we at Words Alive are following in Choose Love’s footsteps by focusing on Social Emotional Learning, and compassion specifically, in our programming this year. These are a few of the books we’re reading and discussing with students that focus on compassion:

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

It’s 2002, a year after 9/11. It’s an extremely turbulent time politically, but especially so for someone like Shirin, a sixteen-year-old Muslim girl who’s tired of being stereotyped… But then she meets Ocean James. He’s the first person in forever who really seems to want to get to know Shirin. It terrifies her—they seem to come from two irreconcilable worlds—and Shirin has had her guard up for so long that she’s not sure she’ll ever be able to let it down.

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate and G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)

Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact. This is his true story and includes photographs of Ivan in the back matter.

Little Quack's New Friend by Lauren Thompson and Derek Anderson  (Illustrator)

One day when Little Quack is playing in the pond, he hears the strangest noise in the distance. He listens closely along with his siblings, Widdle, Waddle, Piddle, and Puddle, only to find that it's a frog in their pond. The other ducklings aren't so sure about taking this new guy under their wings, but Little Quack is determined to make a new friend, no matter how different he may be! In no time at all, everyone is squishing in the mud, splunking on lily pads, and quacking up a splash in the spirit of friendship!

Learn more about the SEL topics of Gratitude, Courage, and Forgiveness.

SOURCES:

• https://www.jesselewischooselove.org/

• https://www.norwichpublicschools.org/

• http://www.wechoose.love/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/EducatorGuide.pdf 

• https://www.mindful.org/what-if-schools-taught-kindness

• https://www.amazon.com/

Words Alive Scholar Abroad: Kathmandu, Nepal!

Domminiece (right) is sitting with a fellow student. They are both smiling at the camera and have red dots on their foreheads.

Over the winter break, two of our Words Alive Westreich Scholars had the amazing opportunity to take their studies abroad for a few weeks! Domminiece Willis is one of our star scholars and is about to graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Child Development. We are so thrilled that Domminiece had this opportunity!

Hear more about the trip from Domminiece herself!

Where did you study abroad?

Kathmandu, Nepal.

What similarities and difference did you notice between your study abroad location and San Diego?

A few similarities that I noticed about Kathmandu that reminded me of San Diego was how busy nightlife is. Exploring through the streets to go shopping and seeing all the shops, bright lights, loud music, and the sea of people reminded me of the Gaslamp during the weekends. Another similarity was artwork. There is artwork throughout the streets of Kathmandu and you can find the same with San Diego whether it be graffiti, murals, or colorful walls. There were many differences between Kathmandu and San Diego - one big difference is there are mini rivers throughout the city. Animals like chickens, goats, and cows (which are considered sacred here) can be see being walked by their owners, or sitting or walking freely throughout the streets.

A selfie of Domminiece walking next to a cow. Domminiece has a huge smile on her face.

What did you learn while you were there?

I have learned so much about religion, the Nepalese language, how to cook traditional Nepalese dishes, how to do wood carving, and how to find enlightenment and properly mediate by a monk.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of my Nepal experience was going to two different secondary schools and teaching the children about how to take care of their mental and emotional health. Another highlight was getting three large trash bags of clothing together with the other students on the trip and sending it to Maiti Nepal, an organization dedicated to reducing and protecting Nepali girls and women from crimes like domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and various forms of exploitation and torture.

What was the most challenging part?

The most challenging part of the experience was visiting Maiti Nepal. Once we arrived we went into a board room and watched a 5-min video about the organization, there were a few testimonies in the video that brought me to tears and once the video ended a representative of the organization came in and spoke briefly about Maiti Nepal and that was it… or so I thought. We made our way back downstairs and the founder of the organization, Anuradha Koirala, was there to speak with us as well. A real-life HERO. I was not prepared for what came next. Ms.Koirala lead us outside where we were met face-to-face with real victims and survivors of human trafficking. It broke me completely down and I was told that I could not cry in front of them because this was their “safe haven” and me crying would show that this was not a safe place. Leaving I felt so drained and I felt so helpless. I wanted to help them all and I could not do anything at the moment.

Where do you want to travel next?

I would like to visit Thailand next. I have a deep love for elephants and I hear that Thailand has the best Elephant sanctuary! So that’s next on the list.

The Past 50 Days at Words Alive

Last week a young girl, maybe 5 years old, came up to me at a Words Alive event, tugged on my sleeve and asked, "Are you sure I can keep all four of these books? They are really for me?"  When I assured her they were hers to keep, her eyes lit up, she paused for a moment, and then said, "Just wait until I tell Ms. Melinda. She's going to love this! Do you know Ms. Melinda?"  Struggling to balance all four books, she then scurried off to tell her friends that I knew Ms. Melinda, the beloved Words Alive volunteer that comes to her classroom every Monday to read.  

We are meeting our children and families with energy, enthusiasm, compassion....and results.   In just the past 50 days, Words Alive has:

• Helped create home libraries by giving away more than 8,000 children's books to children, families, teachers, and community partners; 

• Cut, glued, taped, colored, and stuffed more than 2,000 hands-on activities in preparation for the 130+ early literacy workshops we're hosting this spring to inspire a love of reading in families with preschoolers;

• Received donations of more than 2,000 books through in-person and virtual book drives led by families, Scout Troops, service clubs, schools, and our newest partner, the Charley Hoffman Foundation; 

• Launched Page Turners, a new initiative where everyone is invited to read, and provide feedback on, titles that are being considered for inclusion in our upcoming programs; 

• Introduced 16 new volunteers to Words Alive, providing them with opportunities to help support our work inside, and outside, of the classroom; 

• Enabled nearly 100 Words Alive students to meet Tomi Adeyemi and Marcie Colleen, authors of books they are reading in our programs;  

• Welcomed over 400 new donors to Words Alive, who helped raise tens of thousands of dollars in our second Champions for Youth campaign in collaboration with The Century Club of San Diego and Farmers Insurance; and  

• Supported our volunteers who have invested - in just the past 50 days - more than 470 hours to help ensure that the children and families in our community are connected to the power of reading.  

All of this in just 50 days.

So, yes, little one. I do know Ms. Melinda, and Mr. Jim, and Ms. Stacy and Mr. Bruce, and Ms. Barb and Mr. Al because they - and hundreds more like them - are helping us make sure that you have all of the resources you need to grow a into strong, excited, and successful reader. 

I'm looking forward to the next 50 days.

Thank you for being part of the Words Alive community,

Rachael

Rachael Orose, MPA

Executive Director

Words Alive Scholar Abroad: Naples!

An image of Lexi standing in front of ruins.

Over the winter break, two of our Words Alive Westreich Scholars had the amazing opportunity to take their studies abroad for a few weeks! Lexi Martinez is one of our star scholars and is about to graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Social Work. We are so thrilled that Lexi had this opportunity!

Hear more about the trip from Lexi herself!

Where did you study abroad?

 I studied abroad in Naples, Italy

What similarities and difference did you notice between your study abroad location and San Diego?

I noticed many similarities between San Diego and Naples like the close-knit community between the people; they were always willing to help out. I can't even count how many times I got lost and there was always someone willing to help me. I found great support and friends in the area I was staying in. I felt like I was home as soon as my plane landed in Italy and I will never forget their kindness and generosity. For differences, everything was so fast-paced that it was a bit shocking compared to my southern California way of living but you quickly get used to it. Another difference that I loved was that we relied on walking and public transportation. Some days we would walk up to 14 miles per day. Getting used to taking trains and metros everywhere was such fun and I wish we had a similar transportation system.   

What did you learn while you were there?

I learned so much in Italy such as essential Italian phrases and how to connect with people of a different culture and how to be respectful in a country that is not my own. 

What was your favorite part of the experience?

 My favorite part was trying authentic Italian cuisines such as their pizza, pasta, and gelato!  I also loved getting lost in the cities and finding their hidden gems such as boutiques and museums. I feel like I returned with a new appreciation of travel and fashion.

What was the most challenging part?

 The most challenging part was trying to communicate with people who did not speak English but Google Translate was always there for me!

Where do you want to travel next?

I definitely want to return to Italy and continue to explore more of Italy but I also want to go to Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, and the UK!

An image of Lexi standing in front of the Trevi fountain.

Day in the Life of a Words Alive Volunteer

I first volunteered with Words Alive in 2018 at their signature event: the Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser. My husband and I were new to San Diego and looking for ways to contribute to the community. We signed up with volunteermatch.org, an organization that connects people with causes that inspire them by providing lists of volunteer opportunities that match their interests and passions.

Knowing about my love for reading, my husband saw the Words Alive opportunity and suggested I volunteer. So I looked into volunteering for the Author’s Luncheon & Fundraiser, found out about the guest of honor (Best-Selling Author Mary Kubica), bought one of her books, and signed up as a photographer. Not a professional photographer, mind you—just someone to take pictures of the guests using their personal cell phones.

The volunteer process was easy and informative. I emailed the program manager, filled out a simple volunteer application, and was offered a choice of available roles along with shift schedules. I was thrilled to also be given the opportunity to watch the author presentation and requested a seat in advance for it! All necessary information about my role and the event was then emailed to me.

It was exciting to attend the event, and I even got to meet the author! Everyone was friendly and helpful, complimentary champagne was served, and volunteers had their own room with drinks and snacks. The guests were happy and it was fun taking their pictures. Once all the guests had arrived, I was invited to enter the ballroom and enjoyed listening to the author interview. Overall, it was a great experience, and I had a good time while supporting the development of children, teens, and families within the community.

My second experience volunteering for Words Alive was writing a curriculum for elementary level students (4th and 5th grade) based on the classic book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Again, the volunteer process was simple. I emailed the volunteer manager about my interest and was relieved to learn that volunteers would receive training on how to write the curriculum guides. So I signed up, attended training (which took about an hour), went home, and immediately started reading the book.

Shortly after training I was sent a follow up email with a completed curriculum guide attached to use as an example and guide for writing my own. This was a big help and made the project much easier. I downloaded the sample curriculum, finished reading the book (but kept it close by for review and reference), and began the journey of creating my first curriculum guide.

Hatchet is an inspiring story about Brian, a 13-year-old boy who is in a plane crash and ends up stranded in the wilderness. His only belongings are his clothing and a hatchet his mother gave him before his departure. Brian experiences a series of challenges as he struggles to survive, but ultimately discovers a sense of self-reliance, confidence, and the courage to stay alive.

I enjoyed writing the curriculum for this book. I've often wanted to be a teacher and this was an opportunity to become one for a short time. I wrote a variety of questions to help students interpret and understand the content of the book. I also came up with ideas for different types of group activities to reinforce the material covered in class.

Writing the curriculum was challenging at times. It wasn't always easy to create appropriate questions or group activities, but I solved this by referring to the book and re-reading specific parts or sections. When I needed extra help with activities, a simple search on Google provided ideas.

Working on the curriculum was a learning experience. I didn't just scan or casually read the book; I often had to examine and analyze content to seek out the lessons. These lessons were beneficial for me as well as the students. I also learned how to compose useful questions based on the character's thoughts and actions that will help children learn important life lessons and impact their decision-making skills. Along the way, I even picked up a few survival tips!

Why I Wanted to Be a Part of Words Alive

My initial interest in volunteering for Words Alive was due to my love for reading books. As an avid reader, I understand the value of reading and the powerful impact it can have on people's lives. So, when I delved deeper into what Words Alive was all about and discovered that their mission is "to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading," and their organization was founded on the belief that "if you value reading and understand its fundamental connection to all aspects of your life, then you will be better equipped to thrive as a lifelong learner and productive member of your community," I knew it was a perfect fit for me.   

Reading matters. Reading can change lives. And I know how it's changed mine. By being a part of Words Alive, I'm able to share this message and help others be successful too. 

Opportunities to Volunteer

As you can see from this post, there are many different ways to make a difference and volunteer with Words Alive! Not only is it a great cause, the Words Alive staff is easy to work with and have always been very responsive and quick to answer any questions. My experiences with the organization have been rewarding, and I consider it a win-win situation: helping others while doing something I enjoy. And I'm not finished yet. My "day in the life" as a volunteer continues, as I'm now a writer for this very blog.

Are you ready to help make a difference? Now is the time.

Social Emotional Learning: Courage

By Joanna Kneller, Blog Volunteer

An image of two young students holding up mouse puppets that they made in our Family Literacy Program! The rest of the graphic says “Social Emotional Learning: Courage / What is Social Emotional Learning? Learn more at wordsalive/org/blog”

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

"Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions," according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). 

SEL is a proactive and preventative initiative for teaching children skills that help them thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. SEL is proven to reduce anxiety, addiction, and behavior issues while also increasing academic performance and promoting well-being. By developing these vital skills, children are better able to successfully cope with daily challenges in school, life, and later on at work. SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on children, adults, and communities.

SEL programs can be integrated into school curriculums or learned outside the academic environment.

Why is it Important for Children to Learn SEL?

Skills learned through Social Emotional Learning don't just help children cope better now, they carry into the future, to all aspects of life, and continue promoting positive effects throughout adulthood.

Research shows that children who have participated in SEL programs:

·      Perform better in school

·      Enjoy school more

·      Have better school attendance

·      Are less disruptive in classrooms

·      Show improved academic performance on standardized tests

·      Are less likely to be suspended or disciplined at school

SEL can also help improve a child's social relationships, increase motivation to learn, and reduce antisocial, violent, and drug-using behaviors.

 What is The Choose Love Movement™? 

Scarlett Lewis founded the nonprofit organization, Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™, after her six-year-old son, Jesse Lewis, was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012, in one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. 

The Choose Love Movement™ is about teaching children and adults to choose love over anger. The tragedy at Sandy Hook began with an angry thought in the shooter's head. This movement's mission is to make children aware that they have the power to control their own thoughts, and to teach them the benefits of changing angry thoughts into loving ones.

“Although we can’t always choose what happens to us, we can always choose how to respond...Children can learn to choose a loving thought over an angry one. When a child realizes that they have the power to positively impact themselves as well as those around them, it is empowering and perpetuates their positive actions and interactions.” — Scarlett Lewis, Founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™ (Source)

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™ offers various "Choose Love" programs for schools, homes, and communities, including their signature program: The Choose Love Enrichment Program™.

The Choose Love Enrichment Program™

This program uses a social emotional learning curriculum that integrates SEL with character education, positive psychology, mindfulness, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence. It teaches educators and students how to choose love in any circumstance, and promotes a classroom culture where students feel safe, nurtured, connected, and empowered.

The Choose Love formula focuses on four character values (or pillars) that cultivate optimism, resilience, and personal responsibility: Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion.

The Choose Love Movement™ has reached over 1 million children worldwide and their programs work! Check out these results from the Annual Choose Love Educator Survey  (2018-2019):

• 99% said that they have seen an improvement in classroom climate and in the students’ overall behavior

• 73% said that their students get along better

• 81% said their students have a more positive attitude

• 62% have seen an increase in academic performance in their students

• 95% rated the program “good”, “very good”, or “excellent”

• 99% said they enjoyed teaching the program

• 96% said their students enjoyed the program

Why is it Important to Teach Courage in the SEL Movement?

The first "Choose Love" pillar is courage. The Program Overview defines courage as:

Courage is the willingness and ability to work through obstacles despite feeling embarrassment, fear, reluctance, or uncertainty (Martinez, 2015). When you practice courage, you make positive choices even when it may be difficult for you. It takes courage to express our feelings, make ethical choices, tell the truth, admit mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and to be kind. This is especially true when others might not be leading by example. Courage requires self-awareness and self-regulation (Greenberg, 2016).

It's not always easy to show courage…But courage is essential because it supports the other three "Choose Love" pillars. When things aren't going your way, it takes courage to be grateful. When someone hurts you or something bad happens, it takes courage to forgive. And when you feel pain or think you already have too much to handle, it takes courage to show compassion.

But, when you practice being courageous, you'll also have:

·      Less fear

·      Less anxiety and stress

·      Enhanced self-esteem

·      Improved ability to express yourself and your feelings

·      Increased self-awareness

·      Willingness to try difficult tasks

Images of the three book covers mentioned below: Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, Refugee, and After the Fall.

This is why we at Words Alive are following in Choose Love’s footsteps by focusing on Social Emotional Learning, and courage specifically, in our programming this year. Here's some of the books we’re reading and discussing with students that focus on courage:

·      Refugee by Alan Gratz - Three kids separated by continents and decades experience harrowing journeys to find refuge. Josef, a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany facing the threat of concentration camps, boards a ship with his family and heads for the other side of the world. Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994 watching riots and unrest plague her country, sets out on a raft with her family in search of America. Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015 seeing his homeland destroyed by violence, starts a trek with his family toward Europe. All will face unimaginable dangers, but they hold on to the hope of a better future. And although they're separated by time and place, these kids will share shocking connections that tie their stories together. (Source: Amazon) 

·      After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat - Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after? This poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear?  (Source: Amazon) 

·      Sofia Valdez Future Prez (The Questioneers) by Andrea Beaty, David Roberts - Every morning, Abuelo walks Sofia to school . . . until one day, when Abuelo hurts his ankle at a local landfill and he can no longer do so. Sofia (aka Sofi) misses her Abuelo and wonders what she can do about the dangerous Mount Trashmore. Then she gets an idea—the town can turn the slimy mess into a park! She brainstorms and plans and finally works up the courage to go to City Hall—only to be told by a clerk that she can’t build a park because she’s just a kid! Sofia is down but not out, and she sets out to prove what one kid can do. (Source: Amazon)

Sources:

• casel.org/

• www.cfchildren.org/

• www.jesselewischooselove.org/

• www.norwichpublicschools.org/

• www.amazon.com/

Social Emotional Learning: Gratitude

By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Our emotional life is a compass that helps us understand our inner desires, our singularity, and our personal experiences. It is the framework that guides us. It captures our uniqueness and our differences, as well as commonalities and connections we all share. This is called our Emotional Intelligence. Emotions are part of our evolution, they serve a purpose for surviving, as well as drive our behavior and enrich our lives.

According to Gottman Institute (2017), Emotional Intelligence encompasses awareness, understanding, and the ability to express and manage one's emotions. While many educators concentrate on academic achievement in childhood, Emotional Intelligence is a stronger prognosticator of life's success than IQ (Intelligence Quotient). 

What is Social & Emotional Learning?

It is not an easy task for children to develop a mature and healthy emotional life. According to The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), "Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." (2003)

An essential part of our experience is how we conceive and interpret our emotional life. What we think, our thoughts, are a potent tool. It is not enough to believe our thoughts are only a result of our experience, they are also a big part of creating our experiences. 

We are not solely the result of the continuous activity of our minds, we have the power to control our thoughts. Imagine what would happen if instead of remembering all the bad, negative, and difficult, we could, for the most part, remember the courage, resilience, vigor, and remarkable aspects of life?

Choose Love

Scarlett Lewis constructed an Enrichment Program called "The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Enrichment Program" in honor of her son Jesse after he was murdered at his school at the age of six years old. Choose Love was built upon the idea that we can be agents of change and growth for our lives, and with the task of improving Emotional Intelligence. Choose Love is made for classrooms and targets social and emotional growth in children, teachers, and parents. It has the goal of teaching how to Choose Love in any circumstance, and therefore prevent this type of tragedy from happening and help people to live a happier life.

The program focuses on four important character values – Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Compassion – which cultivate optimism, resilience, and personal responsibility. Children in schools learn that Choosing Love means choosing to live a life with Courage and Gratitude, practicing Forgiveness, and being Compassionate individuals. According to Lewis, being able to "Choose Love" promotes resilience in challenging times. As a result, children learn personal responsibility and the understanding that they always have a choice in how they respond. They realize they can decide to love themselves and others. The program teaches them how to do this, and teachers and parents learn with them too.

The Choose Love program provides a group of lessons based on research on emotional intelligence, resilience and post-traumatic growth, neuroscience, positive psychology, mindfulness, and social and emotional learning. The whole child – body, mind, and feelings – are carefully given attention.

How Words Alive is Teaching Gratitude

One central tool of the program is the transformation of negative thoughts into more loving and positive ones, having an impact on behavior. Gratitude is a magical way to perceive the good in our lives. According to Tamara Levit, gratitude wakes us up to the goodness and beauty in life. But we need to work on it. One of the most important columns of the "Choose Love" movement is Gratitude.

The result of using gratitude in the "Choose Love" program is impressive. Scarlett Lewis affirms that research consistently shows that this type of program helps children get better grades, maintain longer and better attention spans, lower anxiety and behavioral problems, live a happier life, result in higher graduating rates, less substance abuse, and even a lower divorce rate.

Scarlett Lewis recognizes that gratitude is a magical resource. As Rhonda Byrne states, "The more you use gratitude every day, the greater the good you will bring into your life" (2012).

This is why we at Words Alive are following in Choose Love’s footsteps by focusing on Social Emotional Learning, and gratitude specifically, in our programming this year. Here are some of the books we’re reading and discussing with students that focus on gratitude:

• If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson - This story demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit. (Goodreads)

• The One Day House by Julia Durango - Inspired by a friend’s volunteerism, author Julia Durango tells a story of community and togetherness, showing that by helping others we help ourselves. (Goodreads)

Sources:

How to Strengthen Your Child's Emotional Intelligence // Parent Co.  // June 26, 2017

Festival of Lights: Diverse Holiday Books to Read this Winter!

Written By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer

As days become shorter during winter, there is a pattern among different cultures to celebrate holidays that adopt light for their celebrations – to use and create light, when it is darker. As Khalil Gibran wrote: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." 

Take a moment to learn about the diversity of winter holidays celebrated around the world with the following books!

Christmas is an annual festival that billions of people celebrate around the world. For some, it is a religious festivity, and for others, it is a cultural holiday. Some of the values around this holiday are kindness, giving to others, and emphasis on family time. Some books recommendations for Christmas are:

• "Amazing Peace," by Maya Angelou (2008), an inspirational poem aiming to embrace peace and celebration in all religions, ethnic groups, and all ages.

• "The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll," by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, (2007).  A heartwarming story of the importance of family.

Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people all around the world. It commemorates a miracle that occurred 2,200 years ago. One of the traditions is to light the Hanukkiya, or candle holder, for eight nights. Other customs include giving to the less fortunate, exchanging presents, and unifying family and friends. Some books recommended for Hanukkah are:

• "Latke, the Lucky Dog," by Ellen Fischer (2014), a fun and charming story about a dog that gets rescued the first night of Hanukkah, and has trouble learning house rules. Despite all, he remains a lucky dog.

• "The Story of Hanukkah," by David A. Adler (2012), revises the history and celebration of the ancient miracle of Hanukkah.

Three Kings Day marks the travel of the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, who followed a star to Bethlehem, where they offered gifts to baby Jesus. One of the traditions is decorating the house with lights as well as eating the bread "Rosca de Reyes," and representing the birth of Baby Jesus with a scale model. A book recommendation for this holiday is:

• "Why the Wise Men Came to Christmas Following Yonder Star," Len M. Allen (2015). It is a book that explains the meaning of the holiday.

Winter Solstice, the shortest day in the year, has been significant to many cultures as the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. It is observed in Iran and celebrates the victory of light and goodness over dark and evil. It is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran. 

There is decorating the house with lights and candles, as well as gathering around the fire and dancing at night. Reading options for this holiday are:

• "The Eve of Yalda," L. K. Bonabi (2012). A story that revolves around the night of Yalda, the longest night in the year.

• "Winter Solstice," Elin Hilderbrand (2017), a story about a family reunion to celebrate the holidays. 

St. Lucia Day, or festival of lights, is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking areas of Finland, in honor of St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs killed because of her Christian beliefs. This holiday represents hope and light during the darkest time of the year. A book that explains these traditions is:

• "Lucia Morning in Sweden," Ewa Rydeaker (2002). It brings to life the preparations and celebrations of the St. Lucia festival in Sweden.

Kwanzaa it's a week-long annual celebration held in the United States, Canada, and other nations of the African diaspora. It honors African heritage. People light a Kinara or candle holder, symbolizing the values of the celebration. It observes ideas such as family, life, and unification. It includes a feast and exchange of gifts. Some book recommendations for Kwanzaa festival are:

• "Together for Kwanzaa," by Juwanda G. Ford, (2000). It is an introduction to Kwanzaa traditions, as well as a story of family unity.

• "Seven Spools of Thread, a Kwanza Story," by Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel Minter (2000).  A picture book about seven brothers who need to work together, and also about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Las Posadas, originally from Spain, now mainly celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, and part of the Southwestern United States, is a nine-day celebration. A procession moves from house to house, as people sing with a candle. It ends up in a church or a home where the party continues with feasting and piñata breaking, which is usually in the form of a star. When breaking it, all the goodies coming from it are shared with all, especially the children.

A book about las Posadas is:

• "The Night of Las Posadas" by Tomie dePaola (2001), a book about faith and family.

Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, among others. The festival is also referred to as "Festival of Lights." People share sweets with family and friends. Books recommendations for Diwali festival are:

• "Lots of Lights," Kavita Sahai (2013), it is a story of each day of the Diwali celebration. It is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Indian culture.

• "Diwali, The Magical Diyas," Anitha Rathod (2019), it's about how to understand the rituals and traditions associated with Diwali. The book brings a story with mythological significance related to the lights of their Diyass, which are oil lamps usually made out of clay.

When the hours of sunlight get shorter during the winter, festivals around the world coincide in the search for unity, love, giving, altruism, and the need to create light to overcome darkness. During your winter celebrations this year, make sure to pick up one of these books and learn about a new culture!