Blog

Helping students celebrate this time of year is a wonderful way to bring everyone together to share cultural celebrations and traditions.  Consider using this time as an opportunity to teach diversity, tolerance, and inclusion, and to give your students the opportunity to discover the world beyond themselves.  Here are a few tips for being inclusive of all students during the holidays: Get to Know Your …

Just as classrooms all over the nation are adopting Harmony as their social-emotional learning (SEL) program, after school programs are joining the Harmony movement! After school programs function differently than the traditional classroom, but are equally important to SEL development. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on LA’s BEST After School Enrichment Program offered at most schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). …

November is a special time to express gratitude for our families and classmates. Here are 30 questions to spark discussions of gratitude and friendship for friends and families. The questions may be used for Meet Up and Buddy Up routines or as writing prompts for journals or a seasonal bulletin board. You may also wish to share these prompts for a family project. Day 1: What does it …

  October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month The statistics are alarming: one out of every three students is a victim of bullying. It’s an age-old problem that can impact children emotionally, physically, and academically. Anti-bullying legislation and campaigns can help, but educators must invest time to foster social-emotional competencies essential for a school culture of acceptance, tolerance, and respect. Harmony strategies, lessons, and activities …

The new school year will be starting before you’ve even had the chance to perfect your summer tan. You’ve got a long list of things to do to prep for the year ahead, and one of them includes getting your classroom ready. Whether you’re brand new to teaching this year, or you’re a veteran teacher looking for ways to refresh your classroom décor, here are …

When heartbreaking events occur around the world, children are often affected more than they may outwardly show. Although tragedies, like mass shootings or natural disasters, are a difficult topic of discussion, it is important to maintain open communication with young students—to help them navigate their complex emotions, and to create a harmonious environment, where children can feel safe and at ease. How Do You Address …

Summer is (finally) here! Whether you’re teaching through the season, or taking a much-needed breather, there is plenty to do to prep for the next school year (it will be here before you know it, after all). Here are our top 10 tips for new teachers to get ready for the year ahead. Seriously, Relax Yes, you have a lot to do. But you also …