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Get Out Emotions in Writing

Tags

Social-Emotional Learning K-8 Strategy

Skills

Anxiety Self-regulation Social Awareness

Get Out Emotions in Writing

If your student comes to class too anxious or upset to learn and enjoys writing

How To Apply It!

  1. If students come to class with personal concerns that will interfere with their ability to focus, provide a few minutes to get their feelings out on paper so they can focus on class work.
  2. Social and emotional issues can make it hard for students to pay attention. As necessary, provide students a limited time to address their feelings so they can focus on class work.
  3. This exercise might be most helpful first period, after recess, or after lunch when most personal conflicts arise.
  4. It could be done for the whole class or discretely for one or two students who might be upset.
  5. Offer a limited time (e.g. 3-5 minutes) at the start of class to write about feelings.
  6. After finishing, students throw their papers away or they can keep them. Then move on to the day's work without delay or discussion. Teachers should not read papers unless the student asks.
  7. If necessary, address lingering issues after class.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)!

Oftentimes students are preoccupied with social happenings that easily take their focus away from their work. For some students, having the opportunity to jot down what is on their mind will be enough to let them "get it out" and move on to what they need to do.