I Can! Family Engagement | Social Emotional Learning

About

I Can! Family Engagement is a social emotional learning event that is for families with children ages 3-5 where they will engage in station activities where grown-ups model SEL skills for children and children practice an “I Can” attitude. The four station activities are themed around, “I Can Take Turns,” “I Can Calm Myself Down,” “I Can Be Brave,” and “I Can Be a Helper.”

Learning objectives:

• Caregivers will apply SEL strategies by actively participating in each activity with their child—modeling the behaviors (e.g., waiting, breathing, positive self-talk, etc.) as their child practices them.

• Children will apply turn‑taking skills by participating in a group dance game, waiting for their turn to dance and signaling when it is someone else’s turn.
• Children will demonstrate understanding of calming strategies by following a simple breathing routine (e.g., tracing a playdoh breathing shape with their finger) with a family member when feeling upset.
• Children will remember and repeat a short bravery phrase from a pep‑talk card (e.g., “I am amazing just like mom!”) after creating a card with their family member. 
• Children will identify and sort examples of community helpers (e.g., firefighter, doctor, mail carrier) and analyze how each one helps others, with support from family through discussion.

Credits: WQED Education, Rachel Sew