By Guest Columnist Robin Sanders,
Head Principal, Pelahatchie Elem. School
When the school year winds down and summer begins, many families shift their focus from school schedules to vacations, outdoor fun, and a much-needed break.
While this time offers wonderful opportunities to relax and recharge, it’s also an ideal season to nurture something just as important as academic learning—our children’s social-emotional development.
We believe in educating the whole child. Social-Emotional Learning or SEL, is the foundation for helping students manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. These skills don’t take the summer off—and neither should our commitment to them.
Why SEL Matters in the Summer
SEL helps children develop empathy, resilience, and confidence—traits that are just as vital on the playground as they are in the classroom. During the summer, children may face changes in routine, new social settings, or the absence of regular peer interaction. These shifts can impact their emotional well-being, especially after the structured environment of the school year.
Summer provides a natural setting to reinforce SEL through family conversations, community involvement, and unstructured play. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in modeling self-awareness and emotional regulation. Simple actions—like encouraging kids to talk about their feelings, resolve conflicts with siblings calmly, or set personal goals—can have lasting effects.
Easy Ways to Practice SEL This Summer
1. Start with Feelings: Ask your child each day how they’re feeling and why. Encourage them to name their emotions.
2. Read Together: Choose books that highlight characters showing kindness, facing challenges, or learning from mistakes.
3. Create a Routine: Even a flexible schedule helps children feel secure and builds self-management skills.
4. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Achievement: Praise perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for a new school year, we want to remind families that strong social-emotional skills are essential for academic success and lifelong well-being.
When students feel safe, supported, and understood, they are more ready to learn and grow.
This summer, let’s work together—school and home—to ensure our children not only rest and play but continue developing the inner strengths that will guide them far beyond the classroom.
From all of us at Pelahatchie Elementary, we wish our families a safe, fun-filled, and meaningful summer. We can’t wait to welcome our students back end of July, full of stories, smiles, and that unstoppable spark for learning.
Mark your calendars for the Meet the Teacher event will be on Tuesday, July 29th from 8:00-9:30 a.m.; 12:30-2:00 p.m.
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