Voices from the Middle - Social and Emotional Learning, Sept 1999

Describes the many and varied emotional needs of teens, and the importance of dealing with adolescents’ problems, so that they can learn. Suggests that, for language arts teachers, the way in is through literature. Discusses the role of literature, and offers a description of four themes and young adult novels on those themes.

Describes how one 8th-grade English language arts teacher works to keep her students as the primary focus in her curriculum. Discusses how she uses a class council to connect with literature, discuss upsetting issues or incidents, and solve problems. Outlines activities that further the social and emotional learning component of her curriculum.

Defines emotional intelligence. Considers why and how music can be a very useful educational medium for middle school children. Describes some musical activities used for emotional learning programs.

Describes an exercise used successfully with a 5th- and 6th-grade classroom that helps students name their struggles and find common ground and even compassion.

Presents a call to action to all adults who impact the lives of students to make the time to pay attention to students, encourage their strengths, promote their learning, and model considerate and pro-social behavior—to notice them and talk to them.

Middle school language arts teachers have always known that we don’t teach “English” or “Writing” or “Reading”. We teach children. We hope that the articles in this themed issue, “Social and Emotional Learning,” help empower you to help children learn to care for and appreciate themselves and others.