Our SEL Resources
A culturally responsive SEL Curriculum & Model that gives K-12 students the tools to thrive in and out of the classroom.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our curriculum resources engages students in critical social justice work to influence change in their communities
CIRCLE UP
Lessons are facilitated using restorative practices and use the circle process to cultivate healthy relationships + safe dialogue.
MINDFUL MOMENT
Students begin each lesson with a "Mindful Moment" to encourage awareness of the present moment.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT LETTERS
Family engagement letters ensure caregivers are aware of the SEL competencies of study and provide strategies for SEL at home.
THINK IN INK
Students Journal by responding to thought-provoking questions and reflect upon their learning by "Thinking in Ink".
HELLO INSIGHT ASSESSMENT TOOL
We use data from various surveys in our online assessment tool. Hello Insight to measure the success of our curriculum and determine areas of growth.
Our Curriculum and Model was Designed and Tested by Licensed Educators, Leaders in Youth Development, School Administrators & Mental Health Professionals Who Have Diverse Experience in the "Whole Child" Approach to Education. We have done the Work!
CASEL + POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ALIGNED
Our programs and resources are Casel-aligned, as each lesson and program component explicitly focuses on teaching and promoting the five core competencies of SEL: sel-awareness, self-management, social awareness, repsonsible decision-making, responsibe decision-making, and relationship skills.
Our programs and resources uses principles and practices of the Positive Youth Development framework, a pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths.
EVIDENCE-BASED
SEL skills are regularly assessed to assure that each young person is on a pathway toward success. To accomplish this, Tumaini DC uses an online learning and evaluation platform – Hello Insight to deploy scientifically validated tools and analytics that have been tested and statistically validated through surveying more than 250,000 young people, in over 1,500 programs, nation-wide.
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Tumaini DC is dedicated to ongoing learning and improvement. Therefore, we used the PRE assessment results to understand our young people and tailored programs to meet their unique needs. In addition, we used the POST results to understand young peoples’ experiences and improve the quality of our services and resources.
COMPREHENSIVE + CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE
Tumaini DC's curricula and resources are the first of its kind in that it is grounded in the principles and practices of culturally responsive teaching and encompasses brain-based learning, cognitive behavioral therapy, family engagement, social justice, and builds upon the five core Collaborative for Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) competencies. We combine high quality and ongoing professional development, comprehensive assessment, progress monitoring, and parent engagement to ensure a holistic approach to student success and educator success.
The
Tumaini Way
SEL Curriculum
The "Tumaini Way" Social and Emotional Learning comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum is designed to provide students in grades 6-12 with tools to positively impact their communities through social emotional awareness. The Tumaini Way is the first of its kind in that it is designed on the basis of mindfulness, brain-based learning, cognitive behavioral therapy theoretical models, and social justice which support the five core Collaborative for Social Emotional Learning (CASEL) competencies. We combine ongoing training, assessment, progress monitoring, and parent engagement to ensure student success.
Our curriculum cultivates engagement in the classroom and in students’ communities through interactive activities, visual presentations to accompany each lesson, shared learning group discussions in the form of a restorative circle process called “Circle Up”, and the development of prototypes for the solutions to social issues. Mindfulness exercises ("Mindful Moments") and journal reflections ("Think in Ink"), provide students with opportunities to explore their sense of awareness and development of CASEL's core Social and Emotional Learning competencies. These reflections help to inform students’ vision for addressing social issues in the communities and society through civic engagement. This approach is especially beneficial to students who have experienced intense trauma.
Actually, I Am
SEL Curriculum for High School
“Who am I?” is a question all of us ask at some time in our lives, and it is a very common question that we often ask students. The goal of the “Actually, I am” SEL Curriculum is to advance education through collaborative instruction and meaningful lessons that shape a deeper sense of self-awareness and identify, empowering students to define who they are without the restrictions, assumptions, labels, and language that society often places on us based upon our race, ethnicity, religion, ability, gender, sexual orientation, and economic class. Each lesson addresses various topics that support empowerment, identity, understanding of diversity and equity, advocacy, the impact of trauma, and overall leadership development for students. The “Actually, I am” SEL curriculum aims to creatively help address real-world problems while establishing a thriving and identity-safe environment, where students are equipped with the tools and skills to cultivate change in their own lives and in our society.
The SEL Lit Lab
An SEL-based Text Set
The SEL Lit Lab Text Set is a diverse series of culturally responsive reading passages focused on the five core competencies of social and emotional learning: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The texts themselves comprise diverse genres and text structures that will allow students to explore SEL skills and concepts through literature. Schools today are facing a dichotomy of expectations between focusing on academics and focusing on climate and culture by providing safe and engaging learning communities. Our Team at Tumaini DC, Inc. believes that this should not be an either/or choice. As teachers and schools look for the best ways to teach the social-emotional skills that students need to thrive in school and beyond, our research has shown that one of the best places to explore is the language arts curriculum.
Mind Your Emotions
SEL Curriculum for Grades 3 to 5
The Mind Your Emotions SEL curriculum is designed to provide students in grades 3-5 the tools to achieve key developmental competencies, such as the ability to identify and express emotions and to establish and manage peer relationships and friendships with less support from adults. Our curriculum is the first of its kind as it combines elements of restorative justice, mindfulness, civic engagement, and social justice to cultivate social and emotional development amongst elementary-age students. By implementing our curriculum, educators and youth development professionals will be equipped with differentiated materials to assist students of all academic levels, including exceptional learners. Within the instructor’s guide, differentiated options are provided including auditory, kinesthetic, and visual options. Direct links are also included as alternative options for students who require access to modified versions of the curriculum to ensure this resource is accessible to all.
Mind Your Emotions (The Game)
An Elementary Social and Emotional Learning Game
Emotions are an important and healthy part of our lives, whether they are deeply felt emotions or the ebb and flow of feelings we experience daily. The Mind Your Emotions game is designed to help younger children connect with each other, becoming more aware of their emotions on all levels, in a safe environment. Sharing is caring, and one of the greatest things we can share is the way we feel and the way we think. Yes- Emotions usually start with your thoughts!
Mind Your Emotions is a non-competitive game which allows players to truly express themselves in a safe and fun way. Begin by placing the Spinner in the center of the table, or flat surface. Shuffle the three separate decks of cards individually and place them next to the Spinner face down. The youngest player starts first and spins the Spinner then picks up one card which matches the color, image, and name on the Spinner. They then follow the instructions on the card to the best of their ability and let the next player take their turn spinning the Spinner. Continue like this in a clockwise, or anti-clockwise direction. For example, if the Spinner is spun and lands on the green Mindful Moment space then the player must draw one card from the Mindful Moment deck.
There are three different standard card decks. Their descriptions and uses are as follows:
Mindful Moment – Each card includes a mindfulness-based idea or concept to reflect upon and act out.
Think in Ink – Each card includes a thought-provoking question which may be answered by writing, or drawing.
Circle Up – Each card includes questions which lead players to consider important moral and social-emotional concepts to discuss and debate.
We Use Hello Insight, a Comprehensive Assessment Tool, to Continually Evaluate and Respond to What Young People Need.
