Updates, Empathy Week and FREE School Resource Pack
The Happy Confident Company
Building Happy Confident Kids, Schools & Families Worldwide
Hello everyone, and a big welcome to our February Newsletter!
It’s been a busy month here at The Happy Confident Company. We've been spreading our wings in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates - a significant step in our journey towards international expansion.
We have found that despite the diverse cultures and societies worldwide, the challenges faced by young people are universally similar. This observation reinforces our belief that our wellbeing programs and products can deliver huge benefits for children across the globe.
Let's Dive Right In!
Nurturing Empathy in Schools: Free Ready-to-Use Resource Pack
We were absolutely thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response we received from schools using our free Children’s Mental Health Week Resource Pack. The impact it had was so inspiring that we decided to do it all again for Empathy Week!
If you haven't seen it already, click the link below to sign up and download this valuable set of tools. The resources are perfect for fostering a learning environment that's not only knowledgeable but also understanding and compassionate.
Whether for this special week or as a staple in your educational toolkit throughout the year, this pack is here to support and enhance your teaching journey.
What's inside?
? ASSEMBLY VIDEO (8 Mins): Our in-house teacher Kate introduces Empathy Week alongside top TV presenter Emma Willis, our Professor and a team of children.
? SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Embed assembly learnings with our worksheets designed to strengthen pupils' understanding of empathy and its role in their lives.
? FAMILY ACTIVITY: An extension on the school activity for families - Perfect for this year's Empathy Week theme 'HOME'
The Happy Confident Company Update
We had an enlightening week over in Arizona at the Education Research & Development Institute | ERDI Winter Institute where we engaged with district and industry thought leaders to discuss the pressing issues facing schools and districts in the US today.
A key topic of our discussions was the importance of social emotional learning (SEL) in education and the integration of these essential skills into everyday life. This foundational principle underpins the Happy Confident Schools programs, which aim to embed these essential skills into the curricula with a minimal time investment of just 5 to 10 minutes a day.
Interestingly, a recent study revealed that over 80% of US parents are in favour of schools teaching children essential life skills. These skills include navigating social situations, understanding and managing emotions, empathising with others, and advocating for people from diverse backgrounds. This overwhelming support underscores the relevance of SEL in today's education.
However, the path for SEL in US schools is not without obstacles. Some states have banned the term 'SEL' in the belief that encouraging children to talk about their feelings, gives them license to 'get away with anything.' This represents a fundamental misunderstanding of SEL's purpose and its benefits. Properly applied, SEL helps children gain deeper insights into the motivations behind their actions, fostering a more introspective and responsible approach to their behaviour.
"What’s clear is that there is a segment of the public that has conflated the SEL goal of ‘working well with others’ to mean something other than supporting a student’s learning,” - Tammy Hughes, PhD, a professor of school psychology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and past president of APA’s Division 16
Despite these challenges, the evidence backing the benefits of SEL is substantial. Meta-analyses of hundreds of studies have consistently shown that SEL programs not only enhance academic achievement but also improve student well-being, peer relationships, and overall school functioning.
As we reflect on these insights and data, it's evident that there's a significant need for continued advocacy and implementation of SEL in US education. Our time at the ERDI conference has reinforced our commitment to this cause. There's much work to do, and we're ready to contribute to making a meaningful impact in this vital area of education. #itstimeforchange
Empathy Week: Understanding and Nurturing Empathy in Children
This Empathy Week, our CEO and Founder, Nadim Saad shares valuable insights on the crucial role of empathy in child development and its societal impact. Discover practical tips for fostering this essential skill in our children in his enlightening article.
领英推荐
Jaguar Land Rover Parenting Conference
Our CEO, Nadim Saad thoroughly enjoyed his time at the JLR conference. He was particularly inspired by JLR 's dedication to supporting working parents and their efforts to foster open dialogues for enhancing family-friendly policies.
In an interview, Zara Tindell, Olympian and brand ambassador for Jaguar Land Rover opened up about her experiences balancing a busy career with the challenges of parenting three children. Her honest reflections during the interview resonated with many of us and were a valuable reminder of the importance of finding a sustainable balance in our lives.
Jaguar Land Rover's commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace was evident, proving beneficial for both employees and the business. A big thumbs up from us!??
… and finally
Last week in Dubai, Danielle Fanton and Nadim Saad truly shone at The Middle East Senior Leadership Conference from Teach Middle East Magazine . Nadim delivered an impactful keynote on enhancing student behaviour, resilience, and inclusivity within school communities. He delved into effective strategies for weaving wellbeing into the curriculum and throughout the school day for maximal benefit.
Their session provided a comprehensive blueprint for a whole-school program, aiming to uplift both students and teachers and was incredibly well-received.
February Education News Roundup
Hey! Thanks for getting this far! We hope you enjoyed our newsletter. If you would like to know more about our award-winning schools' program, head over to our website here. Have a great rest of your week!