Introduction to Social Emotional Curricula

Social emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for the development of children, particularly those who are nonverbal or have limited verbal communication skills. Two notable programs in this area are the Carrie Flower social emotional curriculum and the STARS program. Integrating these two curricula can create a comprehensive approach that supports the emotional and social development of young children.

Overview of the Carrie Flower Curriculum

The Carrie Flower social emotional curriculum focuses on fostering emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills through structured activities. Key components include:

  1. Emotional Awareness: Helping children identify and express their feelings.

  2. Self-Regulation: Teaching techniques for managing emotions and behaviors.

  3. Social Skills Development: Encouraging positive interactions with peers.

Activities often involve storytelling, role-playing, and art to engage children in understanding emotions.

Overview of the STARS Program

The STARS program (Social-Emotional Training for All Relationships) is designed specifically for early-age nonverbal children. It emphasizes:

  1. Visual Supports: Utilizing pictures, symbols, and gestures to communicate emotions.

  2. Routine-Based Learning: Incorporating SEL into daily routines to reinforce concepts.

  3. Peer Interaction: Facilitating opportunities for nonverbal children to interact with peers in meaningful ways.

The STARS program uses interactive games and activities that promote social engagement without relying heavily on verbal communication.

Step-by-Step Integration of Both Curricula

Step 1: Align Objectives

Begin by aligning the objectives of both curricula. Identify common goals such as enhancing emotional awareness, improving self-regulation, and fostering social interactions. This alignment will ensure that activities from both programs complement each other effectively.

Step 2: Use Visual Supports from STARS with Carrie Flower Activities

Incorporate visual supports from the STARS program into Carrie Flower’s activities. For example:

  • When engaging in storytelling from the Carrie Flower curriculum, use visual aids (like emotion cards) to help nonverbal children identify characters’ feelings.

  • During role-playing scenarios, provide picture cues that represent different emotions or responses to enhance understanding.

Step 3: Create Routine-Based Activities

Integrate SEL concepts into daily routines using elements from both programs:

  • Use morning meetings (from Carrie Flower) where children can express how they feel using visual aids from STARS.

  • Implement transition times where children practice self-regulation techniques learned in Carrie Flower while using visual timers or cues from STARS.

Step 4: Foster Peer Interactions

Encourage peer interactions through structured playdates or group activities that utilize both curricula:

  • Organize group games that require turn-taking and sharing (from Carrie Flower), while incorporating visual prompts (from STARS) to guide nonverbal communication among peers.

  • Facilitate small group discussions where children can share their feelings about a story read during a Carrie Flower session using visuals to support their expression.

Step 5: Assess Progress Together

Develop assessment tools that reflect the integration of both curricula:

  • Create checklists that track children’s ability to recognize emotions using visuals from STARS alongside their participation in Carrie Flower activities.

  • Use observational assessments during integrated sessions to evaluate how well children apply learned skills in real-time interactions.