Social & Emotional Learning

Social & Emotional Learning

When students feel safe and valued, they are more open to powerful learning. Nurturing the social and emotional health of every student at GMS is therefore central to both how and what we teach. Every GMS teacher is a teacher of the whole child first. Each works actively in class to support students in their social and emotional growth, knowing the positive impact this will have on their intellectual development.

To acknowledge and support adolescents in developing their emotional intelligence and skills, GMS teaches a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) course. For all three years, students take part in a weekly SEL course where they deepen their understanding of both themselves and others in a welcoming space. In SEL, a student can give voice to their feelings in a productive and safe way and hear those feelings acknowledged by their peers and teachers. Classes are comprised of role play, reading and discussion, videos, guest speakers, and expression through art. Taught at age-appropriate levels, SEL presents students with a personal set of skills and strategies that invites them to take their place in the world as their authentic selves, while encouraging them to make a difference in the lives of others.

At GMS, we value kindness – to each other, to ourselves, to our community, and to the world. There is real strength in kindness because it can mean taking a leap, trying something new, and continually reflecting.

GMS Teacher