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Educators can also promote social-emotional learning (SEL) to develop students’ social skills, emotional regulations, and empathy. Integrating SEL into the curriculum helps create a positive classroom climate and supports students’ overall well-being (CASEL, n.d.).
Attachment refers to the emotional bond that forms between an individual and their primary caregiver, typically starting in infancy and continuing throughout life. This bond plays a major role in shaping a person’s social and emotional development, self-esteem, sense of security and ability to form positive and healthy relationships.
Educators can foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity by enhancing positive peer, interactions and creating a supportive environment within the school. Encouraging collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect among students can enhance their social-emotional development and strengthen their sense of connectedness (Perry, 2009)
I would also like to point out the role educators play in creating safer and more affirming environments for students with attachment needs. A typical instance is building trusting relationships with these students. By showing empathy, understanding, and consistency, educators can help student have a sense of belonging, feel appreciated, secured, and supported, in their learning environment. This can be achieved through active listening, validating students’ feelings, and being responsive to their individual needs (Hughes, 2009)
Reference
Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing. https://www.castpublishing.org/
Perry, B. D. (2009). Examining child maltreatment through a neurodevelopmental lens: Clinical applications of the neurosequential model of therapeutics. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 14(4), 240-255.
Hughes, D. A. (2009). Attachment-focused parenting: Effective strategies to care for children. W. W. Norton & Company. https://wwnorton.com/