Social Emotional Learning App for Children

The following post is a collaboration between Luvbug Learning and MommyMaestra. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Not long ago, I shared a post on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in homeschool. Educators across the nation are currently focused on SEL education as one of the preventative measures when it comes to school violence and shootings. But SEL is something that benefits each and every one of us. These are skills that are some of the important ones children need to learn and master...but these days, they often go undeveloped. If kids aren't learning these at school, then they need to learn them at home and vice versa. Today's post features the LuvBug app, which is one tool parents might consider using as they teach SEL at home.

This post contains affiliate links.

Name: LuvBug: Play-Based Learning
Subject(s): Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills
Brief Description: An interactive app for kids that teaches children social emotional learning skills through games and videos.
Price: From $6.49/mo. up to a one-time payment of $199 for lifetime access (A special discount is available for my readers if you scroll down.)
Language: English (more languages coming)
Ages: 4 years and up
Device: iOS, Android, Amazon

What are Soft Skills?

Soft skill are those that have to do with how a person works. Sometimes called "people skills," they involve how we interact with others. A few of these skills include:

• communicating,
• listening, 
• empathizing,
• team work,
• openness to feedback,
• adaptability,
• time management.

It's a lot harder to learn soft skills as adults (but it's not impossible). The best time is when children are young and learning to identify and control their own emotions and reactions.

My youngest is 5 years old. And he has a hard time managing big emotions. So I've been reading about SEL and looking for different resources that will help me to help him. 

LuvBug is one resource that I've recently learned about. It's designed by a lot of experts in the field of psychology and child development to help nurture SEL skills in children.

Why Teaching Feelings to Elementary Kids is Important

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. As we grow up and emotions become more complex and (sometimes) more intense, it's important for us to be able to self-regulate. Impulse control is important. But we can't control our emotions if we don't known what we're feeling. So identifying those emotions is the first step toward self control, as well as empathy.

A Social Emotional Learning App

I introduced my 5yo to the LuvBug app the other day and as I watched him use it, I liked how the app doesn't just teach him to identify emotions, but also to imagine how other people are feeling in different situations. Teaching empathy can be hard. So this is definitely one thing I really like about this app.

For example, while playing a game, my son was presented with something along the lines of the following:

Dance party! But your friend doesn't know how to dance. How do you think they feel?

- Thankful

- Happy

- Embarrassed

He is still too young to read, so he taps on the little help button by each word and a small window popped up with text plus audio that recites the word and what it means. He's challenged to choose the correct answer.

The app also offers videos that teach important lessons. Here's an example:

What I like about the app

I truly like the Parent Dashboard and the fact that it is available online and not just through the app. I prefer to access things like this on my desktop. 

I'm also very picky about the amount of time my son can spend playing "video games." This wouldn't even be an issue, except that I have two older teens who like playing STEAM, Minecraft, and other games. (Now you know why my 5yo is wanting to play.) 

I actually don't let him have access to an iPad except once a week for a short while. And even then it is a challenge to get him off. That's one confrontation I can avoid with this app because it shuts itself off based on the Play-Time Settings that I've set up. The app closes itself with a simple response (which I could edit if I wanted): 

I can also see what topics my son learned because the Parent Dashboard gives me detailed learning results. For examples, on this day, my son correctly understood three different terms related to emotions:

I also like that I can customize what my son sees based on his age level. From the Dashboard, I can choose his level which affects what games and videos are available for him. And I can change it at any time. 

Overall, I can see this app as being a really good guide for parents that shows us what concepts and skills to focus on or reinforce outside of the app.

A Discount for You!

The LuvBug app has three pricing options: 

• $6.49 ($8.99) a month for their annual subscription
• $10.99 a month for a 6-month subscription
• a one-time payment of $199 for lifetime access

But MommyMaestra readers can enjoy a discount and get the annual plan for only $5 a month! Although LuvBug offers promotions throughout the year, $5/month is a considerable savings beyond any promos. Just use the discount code: LUVBUG5 at checkout.

This discount code expires on Oct 15, 2022.

So if you feel this is a good fit for your family, head over to LuvBug Learning and get signed up!

If you want to find this post again, pin it!

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Social Emotional Learning in Homeschool

After the world upheaval of the pandemic during the last two years and the volatile political climate that we've seen, many kids are having a difficult time. Research shows a rising number of kids are experiencing anxiety and difficulty with self-regulation. And after a growing number of school shootings, parents and educators are looking for ways to reach and help children who are struggling. One of these ways is through social emotional learning. It's a foundation that can be worked on both in school and at home. I'm grateful to Dr. Gwen Bass for the following guest post on the importance of developing social emotional learning in children and how to do so in a homeschool environment.

This post contains affiliate links.

What is Social Emotional Learning?

As we head into another post-quarantine school year, many homeschooling parents are thinking about how to support kids’ academic development alongside their wellbeing. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on social emotional learning (SEL) – a framework that supports children in developing competence in the following areas:

• Self-awareness 

• Self-management

• Social awareness

• Relationship skills

• Responsible decision-making

*Learn more about SEL competencies.

© Can Stock Photo / vaeenma

How SEL Helps Children

Positive social and emotional development has been shown to improve academic achievement and social skills. In schools, the SEL model encourages educators to introduce these skills using specific lessons and to reinforce them through “classroom climate.” SEL is often added on to the regular curriculum and taught through short lessons once or more per week, as time allows. 

But we’re learning more about the benefits of integrating SEL into daily activities. This gives children a real chance to practice the skills they are developing and encourages adults to not just teach SEL, but to model it. The more we can show, and not just tell, our kids that social and emotional skills are grown over the course of our lives, the better.

Research on SEL tells us that children are most likely to do well in learning and life when they: 

• Understand themselves

• Regulate their behavior and emotions

• Demonstrate empathy

• Are a good friend and collaborator

• Make thoughtful decisions about how to achieve their goals

It’s important to note that we decide whether or not a behavior is “appropriate” or what “good self-regulation” looks like based on our experiences and our values - cultural or otherwise.  You and I might have different levels of comfort with, for example, a child who is yelling because they’re angry or one who is running around the house excitedly.  We might not react the same way when a child interrupts a conversation we’re having with another adult, or to a child who is shy and not playing with other children. 

How to Teach SEL at Home

When implementing SEL, you want to find a way to do so that aligns with your personal and cultural beliefs.  Think about the ways in which social expectations may vary at home and beyond, and talk with your kids about these.  

As a homeschooling caregiver, you will want to review the SEL competencies and come up with a description of what it would look like for your child to be successful in each of those areas.  Ask yourself: How will I be able to tell if my child has developed this skill?  What will I see them doing, or not doing? 

Here are a few ideas to keep in mind as you incorporate SEL into your homeschool routines:

1. Let your child know what the goal is and create opportunities for them to explore and practice. Talk to your child about the skill you’re helping them develop, explain the importance of that skill, and point out situations where the child can use or practice the skill.  

For example: You notice that your child gets frustrated and leaves the table when learning something new.  

• When they are calm, ask what they feel in their body when a task feels too hard, is just right, is too easy.  

• Together, come up with a few strategies they can use to calm down when they begin to notice they are feeling upset. 

• Throughout your lessons, ask them to check in with their bodies and practice the calm down strategies as needed.

2. Talk about situations that elicit big feelings before they occur.  Anticipate moments that will be most challenging for your child.  Prepare them for what’s coming, talk about big feelings that might arise, and brainstorm strategies they can use to regulate.

For example: You’re getting ready to present your child with a new learning task that you think might frustrate them.

• Make a schedule so they know what to expect (I’d suggest sandwiching the frustrating task between tasks your child can do easily and enjoys).

• Look at the schedule together and ask your child how they think they might feel doing each of the activities listed. 

• Together, come up with a list of strategies they can use to manage any big feelings (e.g., deep breaths, a walk outside, or a special signal they use to let you know they’re upset).  Remind them that you are there for support.

3. Have your child help you come up with examples and non-examples. Be explicit about what it looks like to demonstrate a specific SEL skill.  Together, make a list of behaviors that align with the goal, and a list of behaviors that don’t. 

For example: Your child is getting ready to have a friend over, so you want them to think about being a good host.

• First, have your child identify how they are feeling about having the friend over and ask them how they think the friend might be feeling about the playdate.

• Have them name a few strategies they can use to keep themselves regulated during the playdate so they can have fun. 

• Talk about how they could help their friend feel safe and welcome (e.g., picking out a few games the friend likes, showing them where the bathroom is when they arrive) and a list of things they could do that would NOT make their friend feel welcome (e.g., hogging all of the toys, not offering any snacks).  

4. Model positive social skills and emotion management.  Children take their cues from adults, so we need to walk our talk when it comes to SEL. This doesn’t mean we need to get it right 100% of the time. When kids see adults making mistakes, taking responsibility for them, and trying to do things differently the next time, they learn to do the same.

For example: Your child sees you get upset and raise your voice to someone in the household.

• Name the emotion you’re feeling, find a strategy to self-regulate (take a walk, a deep breath), and tell your child “I’m feeling ___________ so I’m doing ___________ to calm myself down.”

• Once you’re calm, remind your child that it’s okay to have all kinds of emotions and explain how your emotions affected your behavior (e.g., “I was getting really mad and it was hard for me to control the tone of my voice.”)

• Talk to your child about how you will repair the situation or what you hope to do differently next time.

As a homeschooling parent, it’s important to build your own self-awareness and empathy so you can offer your children the guidance they need to grow as social and emotional beings.  However you choose to incorporate SEL into your school and home life, be sure that it aligns with your household rhythms and your family’s culture, otherwise it will feel inauthentic and forced. Think about how you might adopt some of these ideas and SEL competencies, along with your own values and traditions, to help your children reach their goals.

Picture Books that Teach SEL

There are many wonderful books that you may use in your homeschool lessons. Here are just a few that we recommend...

The Way I Feel 

by Janan Cain

My Mouth is a Volcano! 

by Julia Cook

What Were You Thinking? A Story About Learning to Control Your Impulses
by Bryan Smith

No Fits, Nilson! 

by Zachariah O'Hora

A Quiet Place 

by Douglas Wood

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Dr. Gwen Bass is an educational consultant, parenting coach, and member of the EQuip Our Kids! speaker bureau.  Her work focuses on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed education, culturally responsive teaching, positive identity development, and special education.  She is deeply invested in supporting learning and wellbeing, especially for those who experience learning difficulties, mental health challenges, and/or who are coping with trauma. Dr. Bass provides consultation for educators and caregivers. For more information or to schedule a session visit:  www.drgwenbass.com

Sugar Skull Calendar by Thaneeya McArdle

I'm loving the creativity I see when it comes to decorating sugar skulls. Some of the calaveras are just so beautiful! I can see where some might enjoy a full year of them. So I wanted to share this 2015 Sugar Skull Calendar by Thaneeya McArdle that I found on Amazon. 

NOTE: If you love the calendar's artwork but not the year (sorry, 2015!), scroll down to check out Thaneeya's other artwork for sugar skulls and more!

This post contains affiliate links.

Why Coloring is Important for Children

Just like handwriting, coloring is also important for children because it directly affects impulse control. Coloring can be an important part of a social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, which is important in both home and school classrooms. In fact, coloring has many benefits, including fine motor control, the ability to focus, relaxation to our amygdala (where our brain processes stress), understanding the importance of boundaries, and the ability to notice details, just to name a few.

This article on Scholastic about The Benefits of Coloring and Drawing is also a great read and why I think it is so important for children. 

Thaneeya McArdle Art for Families

Thaneeya McArdle is an internationally collected artist who works in a variety of styles, ranging from photorealism to abstraction, to a whimsical combination of the two. 

Colorful, fun, and full of psychedelic details, the Sugar Skulls 2015 Wall Calendar features 13 of Thaneeya McArdle's intricately drawn and beautifully colored pieces of skull art inspired by Día de los Muertos. If you are just interested in the art, you could still purchase this calendar and tear out the pages and frame the sugar skulls for decoration during Day of the Dead.

But maybe you aren't looking for a 2015 calendar anymore. Good news! She also has the following coloring books available for families.

Day of the Dead Coloring Book

30 Beginner-Friendly Creative Art Activities with Sugar Skulls for Dia de Muertos;
Extra-Thick Perforated Paper Resists Bleed Through

Sugar Skulls Coloring Book

32 Fun & Quirky Art Activities Inspired by the Day of the Dead

Ultimate Day of the Dead Coloring Book

84 Designs on Perforated Paper

Other Coloring Books by Thaneeya

If you love her style and are looking for other coloring books in a different theme, consider one of these:

Christmas Coloring Book

Delightful Animal Families

40 Beginner-Friendly Creative Art Activities

World Traveler Coloring Book (My favorite!!)

30 World Heritage Sites, Beginner-Friendly Art Activities

When to Use Coloring Books with Children

Coloring books should be fun and easy. You can use them anytime, but here are a few ideas of when to pull out that coloring book and let your kids get to work:

• in the mornings before you start your morning lessons (for homeschoolers)
• as a brain break after difficult lessons or assignments
• before bed, to calm your child and help their brain settle down after the excitement of the day
• when you are in the car
• when guests come over to visit
• when you are at medical appointments
• when you are running errands
• at events or meetings that their siblings must attend
• while you are helping their older siblings with other subjects

Other Posts You May Enjoy

• 10 Videos for Kids on How to Draw Sugar Skulls
  
  
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