Build a class full of collaborative SEL problem-solvers

Got SEL Challenges?

Of course you do.

But instead of 'fixing' kids' behaviors, which is sooo much work ... try a brave *new approach:

The Kids' Own Wisdom® approach starts from an assumption that kids have all the potential and internal motivation they need to solve their own SEL challenges... which, with practice, will prepare them to solve a whole lot of other challenges life will inevitably throw at them.

What they need from us, the adults in their lives, is to be:

• put together with a group of peers, and

• asked the **right kinds of questions that will exercise their critical thinking skills and draw out their own most creative, meaningful and actionable solutions.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

* Which is really an ancient and highly respected approach — The Socratic method, based on a series of relevant + engaging questions that stimulate critical thinking, reveal mistaken assumptions, lead to enriching discoveries of underlying connections (systems thinking), and invariably result in group consensus around 'win-win' solutions .

** SOARR-ing questions are the rights kinds of questions.

Ask a question

Listen to the BIG PICTURE Social Emotional Learning PODCAST

I created this podcast because:

I was curious about all that's going on in the wide world of education.
I wanted to share the best of inspired (and inspiring) educators.
I wanted to share conversation with educators I respect.
I wanted to expand listeners' awareness about ALL the layers and dimensions that rightfully belong in conversations and decisions about SEL.
BUT really ... I wanted to prove to myself that the Kids' Own Wisdom® approach is a complementary approach to just about every other philosophy and SEL curriculum 'out there.'

Structure of Training Workshops

Section 1 - Intro to most efficient tools for teaching success

Comparison of educational approaches (because it's important to appreciate the different value of each, especially from your students' point of view):

Teaching
Facilitation

How learning happens, according to the brain science of learning

Validating research from major universities
Critical thinking - nurturing this one skill will benefit every aspect of students' personal and academic lives. (Not nearly as difficult as it's made out to be! It's just a matter of building new habits of observation, analysis, inference and communication.)

Success path with the Kids’ Own Wisdom® approach for students' SEL & Life Skills development.

The power of really seeing and really listening
Obstacles to really seeing and really listening
How to overcome obstacles to really seeing and really listening

Section 2 - Collaborative problem-solving challenges for students

1. Advantages of collaborative problem solving over individual problem solving

2. Right & Wrong kinds of questions for collaborative challenges

Intro to SYSTEMS THINKING with SOARR-ing questions
Mind mapping for creating SOARR-ing questions that will

3. Hands-on practice with common SEL challenges, based on age-groups.

Section 3 - Paradigm shift for Win-Win's

1. The critical importance of a paradigm shift at this time in human history

Predictable effects if our educational paradigm doesn’t shift
Natural resistance to a paradigm shift
Change is hard, but not impossible
How hard is a paradigm shift … really?

2. More Hands-on practice

Designing series of SOARR-ing questions for common SEL and Life Skill challenges, based on age-groups, interests and challenges.

Opportunities to continue growing together and supporting each other’s progress.

Upon Completion

All graduates will receive a CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION after passing the FINAL EXAM.