EQ Weather Report

We figured that it was a good time to get back to basics and to make sure that we're all on the same page. So, we've decided to start a new series on our blogosphere where we'll take a moment to get more acquainted with all the juicy bits of SEL. Please swipe right (we mean keep reading).

What does SEL stand for?

You've probably seen the acronym "SEL" around...maybe on school websites, Peachjar flyers, or even in the news. SEL stands for "Social and Emotional Learning." This kind of learning, which is distinctly different from reading, writing, and calculating math problems, involves social skills, knowing about our own emotions and how to manage them, goal setting, and responsible decision making. SEL leads to....you guessed it, greater emotional intelligence (EQ).  Those who believe in and promote SEL stand for raising global citizens who are positive family members, responsible neighbors, contributing citizens, and productive workers. 

Is it all...

How are you?

We're hoping that you have found some ease during this "new (and temporary) normal." For some of us, we're into week three of safer-at-home or shelter-in-place orders (Say whaaaa?). The title of our series "COVID Coop Up" is really hitting home for us. AND, with some of us home during spring break, we literally feel cooped up! 

Tip #8: Get outside

Whoa now. Y'all know what we mean. Get outside, BUT please practice physical distancing (6ft!). Here are some fun ways to get outside...

Dance Party! Neighborhoods all over are hosting dance parties where one neighbor plays music and people dance in their own yards, together! You can get one started by texting your neighbors a date/time, set up a boom box (I see you '80s kids), and then well, dance! Take Shelly Glennon's lead. 

Go for a walk - Ok, we know this isn't the most original idea, but it's still a good one. Get outside and get some sun on your face. If this sounds boring, change it up. Take a...

Checking in

How are you doing today? We're hoping that this post finds you safe and healthy. For many of us, we'll continue staying safer at home for the next couple of weeks in order to flatten the curve. However, while many of us are locked down in our homes/apartments, there are people who are facing COVID-19 head on.

Tip #7: Show gratitude to the front line workers

We can't imagine the physical and emotional toll that COVID-19 is having on healthcare workers and first responders. They are the true heroes in the fight against this pandemic. In times like these, showing gratitude especially when we can't help directly, can have a meaningful impact not only for others, but also for ourselves. Here are some ways to show gratitude...

Clap for healthcare workers - All around the world, people are showing their gratitude by clapping outside for healthcare workers during a shift change. Clapping was heard from NYC to Spain to Canada to the UK. Even James Bond...

How are you?

How are you doing? No, really. How's it going? Are you getting into a new rhythm of daily life or are you struggling? Which ever it is (and anything in between), it's totally ok. For many of us, our roles have instantly multiplied and crash collided over night. 

Tip#6: Be easy on yourself

Our brain is a powerhouse, but sometimes our thinking can bring us into dark places. When life feels hard, as it does for many of us right now, it's good to take a step back and take a breath. Maybe life feels hard right now not because we are doing something wrong, but because it's just all too much. Working from home, teaching the kids, attempting daily routines, keeping the house clean, feeding the family, troubleshooting video conferencing, the list goes on and on and on... 

Know that you have choices in anxious times. Right now, make the choice to take care of yourself and your family, to laugh instead of fighting over a distance...

Happy SELabration!

For the first time ever, there is a day where the world will celebrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and today is the day (#SELday)! This organization is mobilizing a movement to raise SEL awareness, to get people and organizations involved in promoting SEL, and to highlight tangible examples of SEL IRL. Why? Because SEL has the power to change the world. 

The deets

SEL is seriously da bomb. Humans with these skills have the power to outmatch any AI device. With the ability to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve goals, feel empathy for others, make and keep meaningful relationships, and make ethical and responsible decisions, people have the potential to be the most dynamic and compassionate problem solvers on the planet. For the past 25 years, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has been scientifically demonstrating the positive impact of SEL development on kids...

How's it going?

Just checking in on you. How are you feeling? For many of us, the novelty of not going to school or into the office has completely worn off. Not to mention that staying at home and away from our loved ones and friends during a time of worry and stress is a weird thing. As humans, we naturally want to come together during times like these, but we can't do this physically. So, how do we handle COVID-19's isolating effect?

Tip #5: Reframe social distancing as physical distancing

The words "social distancing" are on blast everywhere. By now, most of understand the critical importance of staying home and away from dense or crowded areas. This move mitigates the sneaky spread of COVID-19 and protects everyone by flattening the curve. For a (strangely addictive) video graphic about social distancing, check out this video by the Amoeba Sisters. 

Being physically separated doesn't mean that we have to be socially isolated. If you aren't using FaceTime,...

What's happening?

We hope that this blog post finds all of you safe, healthy, and happy! For those of us in California, our stay-at-home order from Governor Newsom solidified that our kids won't be going back to school until April 19, 2020 (at the earliest), with some school districts planning on a May 5, 2020, return, pending a flattened COVID-19 curve. While this most recent lock down may feel inconvenient, we know that it's a move that protects all of us (our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our community). Join @kevinbacon, who's doing a #IStayHomeFor campaign, helping us identify who we are keeping safe by engaging in social distancing (see, now you're only 1 degree separated from Kevin Bacon -  you're welcome). 

What does this mean?

It means that WFH, teaching our kids, and living in close quarters is the new normal for at least the next month. In this series, our goal is to give you actionable ideas that can direct some of your time to be and...

You good?

How are you adjusting to the new normal? Isn't it weird how it feels like we've been WFH and homeschooling for forever? For most of us, it's only been 6 days! #OMG #areyouserious #thestruggleisreal @shondarhimes is even feeling it. 

Need help? 

At Odyssey, we love the idea of using tech to get analog (getting back to old school human-to-human vibes) and believe that when tech's powers are used for good, it can serve as an awesome platform for growth and development. We're not the only people who believe this. From big companies to famous authors and illustrators to moms on blogs, here are some *free* (yup, FREE!) services/classes/ideas that you can use in your new role as teacher. 

Tip #3: Use Tech for Good

Audible has launched Audible Stories, a free service that is offering audiobook content for kids, teens, and families. Stories are categorized from the "littlest listeners" to "teens" to "literary classics." You can find...

How are you doing? Even though it's only been a couple of days, a lot has happened since our last post. Cities are sheltering-in-place, countries are closing their borders, and panic-buying is leading to limit restrictions at stores nationwide. As humans, seeing worry and panic leads us to question if we should be feeling worried too. It's a survival thing that is hard-wired and it's there to protect us. BUT, what if this instinct isn't serving us right now? What should we do? One idea - Focus on what we can control and flex our resourcefulness muscles.

In our last post, we encouraged you to make a schedule. Our hope was that keeping a routine and some consistency brought you some peace and comfort. Today, let's try something different...

Tip #2: Make a Video about COVID-19

Yup, you read that right. With your kiddo(s), make a fun video about how to proactively deal with COVID-19. I wish we could take credit for this idea, but people are already doing it. This dad...

School's closed for weeks, plans for spring break are busted, and you've got all the toilet paper, antibac, and food you need. Now what? Parents are feeling overwhelmed with how to keep their kids engaged in meaningful ways and are stressed with being cooped up at home. We understand that there is a lot of panic and worry out there and we want to do our part to help. 

If you know our program (if you don't, you can read about it here), you know that we give parents quick and fun activities to do with their kids online, all with the goal of improving emotional intelligence IRL. For the next few weeks, we want to help parents with tips and activity ideas that turn this stressful time into an opportunity for legit quality time. If you're one of the lucky ones who have already enrolled through one our school partners, get through all the activities and earn points! You've got 93 activities at your fingertips! Remember, points are all chances to win...