Social Emotional Learning at Barnhart School

“Social and emotional learning 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.” (CASEL 2018)

Social emotional learning is at the heart of Barnhart’s programs. One of the primary sources of this support to our students is through the Virtues Project.

The Virtues Project™ is the core of Barnhart’s character education and citizenship program. The Virtues Project™ focuses on the common threads and the universal values found in all cultures. Barnhart uses the Virtues Project ™ as a way of creating a culture of character in ourselves and our school. Specific virtues are presented in our weekly chapels and further developed in the classrooms. Each week the students are presented with the Virtue of the Week at chapel and it is reinforced in the classroom through teachable moments, specific instruction and lessons surrounding the topic. Students and teachers practice and embody the ideas developed through discussion, role modeling, and supporting both Barnhart and the community at large.

Some key Character Strengths focused on in the Social and Emotional Learning model are:

• Empathy & Compassion
• Courage & Perseverance
• Teamwork & Communication
• Integrity & Self-Control
• Humility & Gratitude
• Curiosity

Barnhart School, 240 West Colorado Blvd., Arcadia, (626) 446-5588 or visit www.barnhartschool.org.