In recent years, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has broadened beyond the classroom to include family and community engagement as essential parts of the equation. Schools and programs across the country are increasingly recognizing that SEL skills, such as empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation, thrive when nurtured not only in educational spaces but also within family units and communities. By involving families and communities, SEL programs can create a network of support, ensuring students receive consistent reinforcement of SEL principles at school, at home, and beyond.
At I Would Rather Be Reading, our approach to SEL prioritizes these community and family connections, establishing meaningful relationships with the families of our students. One of our signature initiatives is our Family Engagement Nights, thoughtfully planned events that allow families to engage in the same SEL activities as their children. These gatherings foster an environment of shared learning and give families the tools to support their children’s SEL growth at home. Our goal is to equip families to engage with and reinforce the practices that their children are developing in our programs, helping SEL skills become a part of everyday life.
Beyond these gatherings, IWRBR recognizes that holidays can be a challenging time for families who may not have access to the same privileges as others. Through separate holiday initiatives, we provide support by helping with Christmas gifts, food, and essential resources that create a sense of belonging and celebration for all. This thoughtful outreach is one of the many ways we ensure that every family feels included and valued in our community.
To further strengthen these connections, we’ve partnered with AmeriCorps to place dedicated members as family liaisons at each of our program sites. These members serve as vital bridges, connecting families to our resources and encouraging participation in SEL initiatives. This focus on family liaisons underscores our belief that SEL is most powerful when students experience it consistently across all areas of their lives.
Together, our family engagement efforts, holiday outreach, and AmeriCorps support are helping build a robust network where students—and their families—can thrive.
IWRBR Team
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