They need Maslow before they Bloom:
Focusing on students' social-emotional wellness in order to promote academic success
Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, in partnership with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) and Friends of Jimmy Carter NHP, has been awarded a grant by the National Park Foundation to help serve the social and emotional needs of 4th-grade students from area Title I schools. By the end of this three-day program, students will be able to:
- Identify basic emotions
- Describe the difference between physical and mental health
- Describe the 5 competencies of social-emotional learning coping strategies
- Understand the “butterfly effect” of emotions
Day 1 – Ranger-led In-Classroom Program
A member of park staff will conduct an in-classroom program. During the program, students will participate in an activity that identifies emotions and teaches them the basic ideas and principals of mental health. Students will also learn about Rosalynn Carter and her advocacy for mental health while First Lady of Georgia and First Lady of the United States.
Day 2 – Field Trip to Plains, GA
One of the coping strategies students will be introduced to is to “get outside!” They can do just that by exploring Jimmy Carter’s boyhood farm and participating in a STEM gardening activity at the Rosalynn Smith Carter Childhood Garden. The product of their STEM project will then be used to help establish the community garden at their school. During the STEM gardening activity, students will apply 4th-grade math and science standards (S4E4 and MGSE4.MD.1).
Day 3 – Establishing a Community Garden
With the assistance of park staff, students will either establish or add to a community garden. This garden can be used as a place for meditation and reflection and as an educational resource for exploring and applying scientific methods.
The grant will provide all materials and resources needed for participating schools. Funding for school bus transportation will also be available.
Register for Maslow Before Bloom
If you have questions about this opportunity, contact Jennifer Hopkins.
