Social-emotional learning is an integral part of our Waldo curriculum. We implement RULER, an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. The program focuses on emotional intelligence in students, educators, and families, improving both personal well-being and a positive learning environment.
RULER is an acronym for the five core skills of emotional intelligence:
Recognizing emotions in oneself and others.
Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions.
Labeling emotions accurately.
Expressing emotions appropriately.
Regulating emotions effectively
At Waldo, the RULER Program is integrated through classroom instruction and a school wide approach to SEL . The RULER Approach strengthens academic performance, emotional skills, social behaviors, teacher well being, instructional quality and overall classroom climate.
RULER uses four key tools to teach and practice emotional intelligence:
The Charter: A collaborative document created by a classroom or school to show how everyone wants to feel and strategies to support those feelings.
The Mood Meter: A tool to build emotional awareness and expand emotional vocabulary by identifying emotions based on energy (high/low) and pleasantness (positive/negative).
The Meta-Moment: A process for responding thoughtfully to emotional situations rather than reacting impulsively.
The Blueprint: A tool to help manage and resolve conflicts by promoting empathy and perspective-taking.