Using SEL to Boost Reading and Writing Skills with Andrea Burns

Listen to the full episode to hear to use SEL to boost reading and writing skills:

Sometimes our students experience big feelings and they’re not always equipped on how to cope or even express how they feel. A great way to teach your students about SEL and create an open dialogue within your classroom is through literacy. On today’s episode, I have guest expert Andrea Burns to show how to use SEL to boost reading and writing skills.

Andrea Burns is extremely passionate about all things bookish! This includes children’s literature, the smell of a brand new book, or adding new picture and chapter books to her already full bookshelf. Andrea lives in Kansas and works as a book buyer for a local bookstore. She has a Masters of Science in Curriculum & Instruction and loves to continually learn new things!

Andrea’s passion about social emotional learning and her advocacy for SEL and literature has been featured on Good Morning America. Andrea’s debut book is called Failure Friday, which is published through National Center for Youth Issues. Andrea is expecting her first child in March and can’t wait to make her little one an avid reader!

Since Andrea is a lover of all books, especially related to SEL, she talks openly about the importance of having conversations revolving around a students’ social emotional well being. In order to prioritize this in your classroom, Andrea shares ways to incorporate SEL to boost reading and writing skills with your students. Each tip is simple, quick, and achievable, no matter how much time you have. 

As we know, SEL is a big topic that can encompass so many feelings and emotions. By using books, it helps create connections with your students, their peers, and can be relatable to everyone. Using SEL to boost reading and writing skills fosters open and shared discussions in your classroom that teaches students essential skills that can be utilized as they navigate life.

In this episode on using SEL to boost reading and writing skills, we share:

• Ways to incorporate different books that foster discussions around SEL with your students
• Quick writing activities and tips for you, the teacher 
• Why connection and relatability is crucial when discussing SEL 
• A list of books that are impactful towards SEL tailored to your students
• Diving into Andrea’s book Failure Friday

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Writing Made Simple Membership.
• Monthly Writing Prompts Free Sample
• Monthly Writing Prompts
• Check out Andrea’s book Failure Friday
• Episode 120, What is SEL and How do I Implement it in my Classroom? with Rachel Davis

Connect with Andrea Burns:

• Follow Andrea on Instagram: @bookishburnsss
• Visit Andrea’s Website

Connect with Megan:

• Check out my TpT Store
• Subscribe to my E-mail list
• Instagram Posts
• Blog Posts
• Facebook Posts

About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new ideas when it comes to literacy instruction in elementary classrooms? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to offer actionable steps and to share information for teachers, like you, who are always looking to improve their craft! ELA is our jam and we are excited to dive into all things reading and writing with you!

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner behind The Literacy Dive and loves to support students and their teachers with curriculum, literacy instruction, best practices, and engaging literacy activities.

Dive in with us every Monday for a new episode from Megan! She, and her guests, will chat about various literacy topics and will bring you tips and tricks that can easily be implemented in your classrooms. You can tune in wherever you get your podcasts! Listen to The Literacy Dive Podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, and more!