The Importance of Social Emotional Learning

​As we enter May, we are fast approaching the end of the academic school year. For many students, families, and educators, this year has been one of the most, if not THE most, challenging educational experience of their lifetime. The hardships of the pandemic were  felt in classrooms throughout the world, both virtual and in person. 

The past few months have seen many school buildings open up their doors for some variation of in person classes for the first time in over a year. Members of school communities have found a plethora of new rules and guidelines to maintain safety and allow for a more traditional educational climate. As we navigate these uncharted waters, The Pride Tree strongly believes that quality social emotional learning is crucial to ensuring successful school reopenings. 

The most effective learning environments consist of learning spaces with positive climates. Students are more successful when they feel safe and welcome in their classrooms. We believe that schools should be prioritizing high quality social emotional learning lessons to allow students to process the difficulties of the last year, support the transition to in-person learning, and prepare students for school years that lie ahead. All lessons should be as inclusive as possible and explore crucial topics, such as identity, to maximize student needs and cultivate the most positive classroom cultures possible. 

We at The Pride Tree are committed to providing high quality programming that meets studentś' social emotional needs and allows them to explore and embrace their identities. We are incredibly excited for our school partnerships to begin building powerful and meaningful connections across the Las Vegas Valley and continue to support the development of powerful future leaders. The key to that development is providing powerful social and emotional learning opportunities, because as long as our students are happy, success is all but assured. 

Take root with us and stay tuned to watch us grow.
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-Miguel Gutierrez, Director of Youth Programming