February Experiential SEL Morning Meeting Calendar (Black History Month Themed)

Kikori's February eSEL Calendar is dedicated to empathy, celebration, and growth! February is a month rich with cultural significance and opportunities for reflection and celebration. February is Black History Month, a time to amplify voices, share stories, and commemorate the resilience and achievements of Black leaders and changemakers throughout history. February marks Kindness Month (and Random Acts of Kindness Week), inspiring acts of compassion and empathy that transcend boundaries and unite communities in solidarity and support. Amidst these celebrations, we embrace the joy and renewal of the Lunar New Year, a time of cultural heritage, family reunions, and the promise of new beginnings.

Our February eSEL Calendar provides you with daily experiential social emotional learning (eSEL) activities accessed via the Kikori platform that you can lead with your students.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Start your day with a Morning Message or Advisory Announcement
• Practice those ever-important social skills with Greeting Activity
• Encourage connection with a Sharing or Acknowledging Activity
• Facilitate an interactive National Day Activity (i.e. Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day, National Ice Cream Day, World Kindness Day, etc.)
• Flex essential muscles with our Day-of-the-Week Activities for Mindful Monday, Together Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday and Fun Friday
• BONUS: Looking to help your students build critical social emotional skills? Each of Kikori's activities are aligned to  CASEL's Social Emotional Learning standards, 21st Century Skills and Sustainable Development Skills!

What is happening with our students in February?

In February, students often exhibit a range of behaviors influenced by various factors such as seasonal changes, academic pressures, and social dynamics. Read below to help you think through areas of opportunity and areas where you may want to add in extra community-building supports:

1. Mid-Year Fatigue: By February, students may start to feel the effects of the school year's duration, leading to signs of fatigue or decreased motivation. They might appear more easily distracted or disengaged in class activities.
2. Exploration of Identity and Diversity: February presents opportunities to explore themes of identity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to Black History Month and the Lunar New Year. This may can manifest positively through discussions, projects, or presentations related to these themes, and it may also lead to as a desire for representation and recognition of diverse perspectives.
3. Academic Progress and Stress: February often coincides with mid-year assessments or progress reports, leading to heightened emotions, anxiety, or frustration among students striving to meet academic expectations.
4. Weather-Related Effects: February can bring weather-related disruptions such as snow days or changes in daylight hours that may impact students' routines, energy levels, and ability to focus in the classroom.
5. Valentine's Day Expectations: While Valentine's Day can foster positive expressions of friendship and kindness, it can also evoke feelings of exclusion or loneliness in some students. Keep an eye out for shifts in behavior related to these emotions, such as increased sensitivity or social withdrawal.

Utilizing Kikori's eSEL Calendar will provide you with activities to support building relationships, stress management and communication that can help create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students during this month!

Ready to get started? Get Kikori's Experiential SEL Calendar and watch your classroom transform into a close knit community!