In addition to academics, Isaac E. Young Middle School students are learning healthy practices -- self-acceptance, self-affirmation and mindfulness -- that will help them succeed both in school and in life. Attendees of Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting received a demonstration of these social/emotional learning activities during a presentation by the Isaac E. Young Middle School team.
Sixth-graders Diego Alvarez and Jesus Morfin shared what they’ve learned about the importance of self-confidence and loving oneself. Alvarez described a “chin up” activity designed to increase self-esteem. In order to love others, Morfin noted, people have to first love themselves. A short audio track was played to show how students, through brief meditative exercises called “mindful moments,” learn to focus and calm themselves. Social Worker Alythe Coley has spearheaded this important effort.
Principal Dr. Tawanda Robinson also demonstrated how the middle schoolers interact with an “Affirmation Station.” Kyani Lawrence has established this as one of her office practices as a psychologist. A student pulls a card from a box and stands before a mirror, reciting a word – strong, important, resilient, loved, etc. -- prefaced by “I am.” This reinforcement boosts self-awareness and self-esteem, while also providing a strong flow of positivity. In the photo, Alvarez is at left and Morphin is holding up the mirror, while, from left, Board of Education member Amy Moselhi, Superintendent Jonathan Raymond, and Board of Education President Julia Muggia Ochs watch.