LEARNING TO BE SMART PROBLEM SOLVERS

This year Pleasantville Elementary School students are learning to be “Smart Problem Solvers” through their participation in the YMCA Resource Center of Delaware’s** S.E.L.F. program. S.E.L.F., which stands for Students Expressing and Listening to Feelings, helps children develop skills to prevent and solve problems.

During S.E.L.F. children use puppets to learn and practice “smart problem solver” skills. The skills worked on include:  

• listening to verbal and non-verbal communication
• using effective listening body language (SOLER)
• using “I feel ____ because ______ smart problem solver words”  when someone does something they don’t like
• making good decisions
• handling bullies effectively
• knowing differences are exciting
• working well with others
• knowing the importance of caring, honesty, responsibility and respect

Teachers are given follow-up materials to use with their classes to reinforce the skills taught during S.E.L.F.  In addition, S.E.L.F. compliments and supplements programs Pleasantville guidance counselor, Betty McVey, does with classes.

The first S.E.L.F. programs were in September. Programs are also scheduled for late January/early February and early May. Take a moment to ask your child or children about S.E.L.F.  Find out which puppets they used and what skills they learned and practiced.  Ask to see the bookmark they received from the trainer. Encourage and help them to use the skills they learned.

** The YMCA Resource Center is the community outreach branch of the YMCA of Delaware. Its mission is to build healthy lifestyles through leadership development, positive life skills and substance abuse prevention.

Learning to Be Smart Problem Solvers

“I like this program…it is a great way for students to learn how to solve problems.” “The kids love this.”  Comments similar to these were made by Pleasantville teachers (grades K- 4) after their classes experienced a YMCA Resource Center of Delaware’s S.E.L.F. (Students Expressing and Listening to Feelings) program last month. For several years, Pleasantville students have learned and practiced smart problem solver skills such as “Handling Bullies Effectively” and “Making Good Decisions” through their participation in S.E.L.F. This winter, grades K-3 and 5 will have another S.E.L.F. program. In May, grades K-4 will have their final S.E.L.F. program for the year.

Take a moment to ask your child or children about S.E.L.F.  Find out which puppets they used and what skills they learned and practiced.  Ask to see the bookmarks they received from the trainer. Encourage and help children to use the skills they learned.

Diana Stevens
YMCA Resource Center of Delaware
475-2111
10/2/06

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