Skip to content 
Returning to school in the fall brings a complex mix of emotions for everyone involved. Teachers, for example, often feel the thrill of new routines and the promise of a fresh start, eager to teach new skills. Yet, alongside this excitement can be the apprehension of meeting new students and colleagues and navigating new professional relationships. There’s also a touch of sadness, a sense of loss for the relaxed freedom of summer. These feelings are amplified for students and parents, who experience all of these emotions and often many more as they transition back into the academic year.
Instead of overlooking the various emotions students bring to the new school year, consider embracing them. This presents a valuable chance to build a strong foundation of relationships, connection, and empathy in your classroom. While the educational term for this is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), classrooms utilizing The Imagine Project have discovered that it’s a crucial element for fostering a positive learning environment.
The 2 for 32 method is a strategy some teachers use to maximize learning throughout the school year. It involves dedicating the first two weeks of school (or the first two classes for secondary teachers) to establishing trust, routines, and strong relationships with students. This initial investment of time helps create a positive and productive learning environment–ultimately setting both teachers and students up for success during the remaining 32 weeks of the school year or the rest of the semester.
Most schools implement a specific Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum that teachers deliver weekly. These programs are backed by years of research and teach crucial skills. CASEL has a great summary of the research on SEL programs and their benefits.
SEL programs teach crucial skills like developing a growth mindset, setting goals, managing emotions, expressing empathy, showing kindness, and solving problems. These programs often use generic video scenarios tailored to each grade level to illustrate these topics. The Imagine Project enhances this learning by helping students personalize each skill, exploring how they apply to their own lives. Through The Imagine Project’s tools, students learn to recognize and manage emotions using The Feelings Wheel, connect with peers who have similar experiences, set goals by writing their “hopeful turns”, and build empathy by listening to others’ stories.
To effectively use The Imagine Project in your classroom, it’s crucial for you, as the educator, to lead by example. Share your own “imagine stories” to foster connection and trust with your students.
Equally important is your ability to hold space when students share their stories. This means actively listening and modeling strong listening skills. Students should be encouraged, but never required to share. Always ask for their permission before using any student’s story for role-playing scenarios to explore social-emotional learning (SEL) topics.
Emphasize the bravery involved in sharing, and many students will open up, especially as they experience the safe space you’ve created and as class relationships deepen.
Be prepared for some stories to require follow-up. By simply asking students what they need after sharing, you can address their needs, which may include further support from mental health staff or family involvement.
Make your Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum more impactful with The Imagine Project. It helps you personalize lessons and provide meaningful context for skill-building, moving beyond generic, disconnected videos. Find grade-level ideas below for seamlessly weaving The Imagine Project into your existing SEL programs. We wish you a fantastic start to your school year! We’re certain that incorporating The Imagine Project into your classroom will bring lasting benefits. If you ever need assistance or want to share a success story, please reach out; we’re eager to connect. Download the Imagine Project journals here for free.
Thank you,
Todd Daubert, Educational Consultant, The Imagine Project, Inc.
