Posts Tagged "educational research"
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Gets a Boost With Friendzy
December 07, 2023
Fremont Christian School understands the pivotal role emotional intelligence plays in shaping well-rounded individuals. That's why we've partnered with Friendzy, a leading program in social-emotional learning (SEL), to provide an enriching experience tailored for our students. After piloting the program last year and being quite impressed with the results, FCS has decided to expand the program across TK-12.
The Friendzy Biblical Friendship Program has an emphasis on building a healthy school culture that creates a safe environment for learning. The carefully structured TK–12 curriculum, rooted in scripture, aims to empower students with practical skills — such as respect, confidence, problem-solving, and communication — for navigating the complexities of emotions and relationships. Teaching friendship skills supports students in managing their emotions, improving their ability to set and achieve positive goals, feeling and showing empathy for others, maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions.
Friendzy covers a range of essential social and emotional skills. From understanding emotions to conflict resolution and responsible decision-making, the program provides a comprehensive foundation for our students' personal growth. The curriculum is divided into well-thought-out modules tailored to different age groups, ensuring age-appropriate content that aligns with students' evolving experiences.
One distinctive feature of Friendzy is its integration of online resources with real-world applications. Through an accessible online platform, students engage with videos, exercises, and activities designed to encourage self-reflection. This dynamic mix of technology and hands-on learning forms an immersive experience for our students.
FCS teachers and educators have observed tangible positive impacts on our students' lives through their interaction with Friendzy. We see students developing increased confidence, compassion, and resilience as they navigate challenges.
“Since I started using Friendzy with my 8th graders, I’ve noticed them helping each other more,” says our computer science teacher Maya Mathews. "They remind each other about Friendzy teachings or take the time to reach out if they notice someone needs help in class. They even stay a bit after the bell to put back their chairs and tidy up the classroom. That's definitely progress compared to the beginning of the year, when they used to talk over each other and rush out the door at the end of class.”
Students themselves can feel the positive impact Friendzy has had on their time on campus, as evidenced by the chart below.
Friendzy isn't just a supplement — it's a tool for transformation. Its methodical approach, combining online accessibility with tangible, applicable skills, sets a solid foundation for our students' holistic development.
Explore more by visiting Friendzy.co. This collaboration reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the emotional intelligence needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
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Academic Highlights
5 Benefits of Play in Your Child’s Development
March 03, 2022
At Fremont Christian School, our early education program is intentionally modeled on a play-based framework. Walk outside mid-morning and you’ll hear the joyful shrieks of elementary students engaged in games on the elementary playground or field. Even our secondary students are given time during brunch and lunch to play basketball, volleyball, soccer, or other physical activities on the secondary field, in addition to the option to participate in our school’s athletic teams after-school.
Playtime at school has many educational benefits besides enjoyment and downtime from learning. Current research not only validates the benefits of play but confirms it is essential for a child’s physical and intellectual growth. Here are some of the key benefits of play in your child’s development.
Encourages Brain Development
Some crucial areas practiced during play include social skills, language abilities, learning, and locomotor development (movement). In a research study published in the Brain Research Bulletin, rats who were allowed to play for even 30 minutes daily had increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule involved in both learning and memory. Physical exercise in humans has been proven to have similar positive effects.
Improves Physical Health
It’s already widely known that exercise reduces the likelihood of obesity and unhealthy body mass index (BMI) levels. Studies also show that children who are physically active are more likely to carry that habit into adulthood.
Reduces Stress & Disruptive Behavior
Children who played, particularly under the supervision of a caring teacher, showed a marked decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, according to a 2017 article in Prevention Science. An article published the following year in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews underscored additional health benefits: “[Play holds] great promise for both preventive and treatment strategies directed at psychosocial problems of children with chronic or life-threatening diseases.” In other words, play helps in the development of children who have serious diseases.
Builds Relationships
Just as in sports, play helps build relationships and strengthen social skills. Children learn how to work together and communicate in order to achieve common goals. They also form bonds through their shared experiences, whether it’s celebrating the completion of a puzzle or consoling each other over the loss of a baseball tournament.
Promotes Academic Skills
To tie it all back to schooling, playtime also has a positive influence on grades and test scores. Playing pretend improves language skills, while construction play has shown to improve math skills and problem-solving abilities, to name just two examples. “Children who were in active play for one hour per day were better able to think creatively and multitask,” a 2018 study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics stated. The study showed that physical play in 7- to 9-year-olds resulted in increased focus, cognitive flexibility, and executive control (skills that include memory, flexible thinking, and self-control), all of which are crucial for excelling in the classroom.
If all that weren’t enough reason to set aside time for play, remember: It’s fun!
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