Finding My Way SEL Curriculum

Finding My Way SEL Curriculum: K-3Research has determined that expanded social, emotional learning (SEL) enhances academic achievement. As a literature-based study with the Finding My Way series, this inclusive K-3 curriculum promotes SEL skill development by deepening students’ understanding and acceptance of themselves through exposure to life experiences of individuals with disabilities living in their communities. Discussions and activities build student capacity in self-awareness, as defined by CASEL. This Finding My Way SEL program challenges kindergarteners to third graders to think about their own feelings and actions as they follow a literature-based study with the Finding My Way series.  The Finding My Way series presents six diverse nonfiction stories that give voice to children with disabilities. Inclusive stories offer students the opportunity to meet children and adults with disabilities. This includes children with autism, cerebral palsy, Spina bifida, Down syndrome, and congenital heart defect. In addition, stories introduce adults with Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy along with family and community members. The SEL Finding My Way curriculum provides educators with background information, basic disability facts, guided reading questions, vocabulary, and three printable activity pages for each story. Also included are pre-and post- surveys to assess student self-awareness related to their perception of their peers with disabilities. 3