Social-Emotional Learning

 

MINDFULNESS

L-Dub has instituted a school wide mindfulness curriculum based on the Mindful Schools Program. The entire school starts the day with mindfulness practice, and staff members have completed professional development in this area. In addition to the daily practice at L-Dub, students participate in mini-mindfulness workshops during class and all-school meeting times. This commitment to the mind of each student is one of the most important aspects of the L-Dub mission, and the growth students have undergone through their mindfulness practice has been inspiring.

MIND, BODY, VOICE (MBV)

Students take social-emotional health education through a class called Mind, Body, Voice (MBV). MBV was created in order to empower students with the knowledge of their own bodies so they can more knowledgeably navigate puberty, current and future relationships, and eating and exercise choices; In addition, students learn how different aspects of their identities impact these areas. The inclusion of MBV into the L-Dub curriculum allows students a safe and supportive environment to explore their physical identities and understand their bodies in a comprehensive, healthy way.

In MBV, students have the opportunity to reflect on their growth as individuals, to learn about their peers, and to understand how we have an impact on our community. This class is largely based on group discussion and relies upon critical thinking as the best tool for exploring the complex issues that make up an adolescent's world. At the foundation of this course, exploring one’s values highlights each student’s unique experience and individual contribution to this class and the larger school community. Because the content of Mind, Body, Voice is rooted in exploring and solidifying each individual student's values, identity, and development, much of the curriculum is responsive to the students’ concerns and issues. In sixth grade, students focus on understanding basic relationship skills, communication tools, and begin to explore identity; in seventh grade, students focus on understanding their values, puberty, and continue to develop their understanding of identity and self; and in eighth grade, the students focus on exploration of understanding social dynamics, sexuality, and growing up.