As an educator with over a decade of experience in both single-sex and coeducational settings, I've witnessed the evolving challenges that students face in today's world. Social and emotional learning (SEL) has emerged as a pivotal aspect of education, addressing issues such as behavioural challenges, anxiety and depression. In light of this, I'd like to introduce you to a powerful teaching strategy that goes beyond academics, focusing on enhancing essential life skills using explicit instruction and the 5Es framework: Engage, Explain, Explore, Elaborate, and Evaluate, which is the instructional model used at Damascus College. In this article I will be using the 5Es framework to model to our community how we as educators enhance our student’s academic outcomes.
Engage: Identifying the Skill to Emphasise
Each week, I start by identifying a "Skill of the Week" that directly addresses the challenges my students are facing. Just as I adapt my academic curriculum to student needs, I do the same with SEL. For instance, if I notice students struggling with asking for help, I emphasise self-advocacy. This skill is then integrated into the learning intention and success criteria, ensuring all students know the focus. Similarly, if I am focusing on analysing text, I provide a learning intention and success criteria as well as the process in which I will be explicitly teaching the skill.
Explain: Teaching the Skill
Incorporating 5-10 minutes of instruction time each day, I guide students through co-creating a definition for the selected skill. We then process “I do”, “We do”, You Do” through examples and non-examples. I ensure a thorough understanding of the skill, bridging the gap between adult perceptions and student interpretations.
Explore: Revisiting Daily
Consistency is key. I designate daily time to revisit the chosen skill, displaying the explicit instruction in their TEAMs notebooks and on the screen. Whenever a student demonstrates the skill, I acknowledge their efforts publicly, reinforcing positive behaviour just as we do with academic achievements. For students who are yet to grasp the concept, I offer one-on-one support, scaffolded instruction and concise guidance to foster growth.
Elaborate: Providing Pathways to Success
By engaging students in reflective conversations, I empower them to proactively tackle challenges. For instance, when a student grapples with resilience, I ask, "Can you identify a way to be resilient, or would you like me to suggest an idea?". By instilling a sense of ownership, students become active participants in their own growth.
Evaluate: Reflect and Recognise
Acknowledging progress is vital. In my classroom, I recognise their efforts, fostering a positive environment that celebrates both academic and social-emotional achievements. Sharing this accomplishment with caregivers further reinforces the reinforcement loop.
Through the 5Es approach, explicit instruction transcends academics, nurturing crucial life skills such as literacy, resiliency, self-advocacy, and problem-solving. By focusing on these skills intentionally and methodically, we enhance your student's ability to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence and grace.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to converse with your student about these skills. Your support at home can reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom, fostering a well-rounded and resilient individual.