When I was a violin teacher, I try to bring Social Emotional Learning into my lessons in simple ways but I did not know that it is a SEL. I ask students to notice how they feel when they play and reflect on their progress. I guide them to practice patience and control when learning difficult pieces. Even it was hard for them, I try to encourage them to go slowly and not to compare their self with other. I use group playing or duets so they listen to each other and cooperate. I encourage them to set practice goals and make choices about how to improve.

I think the International Rescue Committee’s SEL games and lesson plans could be useful in music or others teaching too. When I go to the IRC SEL Games Bank, I find it is interesting and have different categories that we can use to improve our students. These activities would work in my context because they connect emotional growth with learning the violin in a fun and supportive way.