8.4 SEL Concerns

8.4 SEL Concerns

Author: Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi November 16, 2025 Duration: 42:52

Educator and author Erin Waters joins Shannon and Mary to discuss supporting the whole child through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Erin shares her teaching journey and highlights the crucial connection between SEL & literacy development—because our students aren’t just learning to read; they’re learning who they are. They explore what SEL looks like in real classrooms: morning meetings that build community, read-alouds that spark emotional awareness, and simple coping strategies that help students manage anxiety and stress. The discussion also acknowledges the lasting impact of the digital age and the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ social-emotional well-being, as more children than ever are navigating big feelings.Erin introduces her book Wally Is Worried as a relatable resource for helping children understand and express their emotions. Listeners will walk away with practical tools, recommended texts, and encouragement to make SEL an intentional part of everyday literacy instruction.

01:40 Special Guest: Erin Waters on SEL
03:06 Defining SEL and Its Importance
06:03 Real-World SEL Classroom Experiences
11:41 Impact of Digital Age on SEL
16:18 Post-COVID SEL Challenges
21:43 Coping Mechanisms and Solutions
39:16 Final Thoughts and Resources

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES RELEVANT TO THE EPISODE:

  1. Wally is Worried by Erin Waters  *Amazon affiliate link
  2. Our engagement episode
  3. Our technology episode
  4. Book list with SEL topics, curated by Love Grows Learning
  5. Big Little Feelings blog
  6. NEA (National Education Association):  SEL Resources
  7. Reading Rockets:  Classroom Strategies that Support SEL
  8. Reading with Relevance:   a CASEL-certified SEL supplemental program
  9. CASEL.org
  10. Centervention:   95 Social Emotional Learning Activities
  11. Integrating SEL Into Your Reading Block 
  12. Children's Institute:   SEL Resources and Tools
  13. Erin Waters' website
  14. Connect with Erin via IG

Support the show



In the Reading Teachers Lounge, hosts Shannon Betts and Mary Saghafi pull up a chair for a conversation that feels both deeply professional and warmly familiar. These two elementary reading teachers and Atlanta neighbors discovered a shared, fervent passion for literacy over a local dinner, realizing they were kindred spirits in their mission. That initial chat never really ended, and now it forms the heart of this podcast. Each episode invites you into their ongoing dialogue, where practical classroom strategies, reflections on what works, and thoughtful discussions about reaching every single learner are all on the table. It’s a space designed for fellow educators, dedicated parents, and anyone invested in how children learn to read, offering tangible ideas rather than abstract theory. The tone is collaborative and grounded in real classroom experiences, reflecting a joint belief that literacy is foundational. By tuning in, you gain access to their collective experience and earnest curiosity, all focused on the complex, rewarding world of teaching reading. This isn't about performance; it's about sharing a genuine professional conversation from their lounge to yours, making the Reading Teachers Lounge a unique podcast for those who live and breathe language education.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 129

Reading Teachers Lounge
Podcast Episodes
Shared Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:01
Shannon and Mary discuss another pillar in the Balanced Literacy Series: Shared Reading. Shared reading is interactive reading with teacher guided support. This is essential for helping struggling readers build their flu…
Reading Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
Shannon and Mary talk about the recent discussions in the news and educational circles related to the reading wars. Additionally, based on listener questions, they recommend some resources for teachers who want to implem…
Balanced Literacy versus Structured Literacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:41
Mary describes the differences between Balanced Literacy vs. Structured Literacy.We have been doing a series on Balanced Literacy which might confuse some of our listeners. RTL wants to bring best practices to our conver…
Independent Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:29
Shannon and Mary continue the conversation about balanced literacy elements by discussing supporting students' independent reading in the classroom and at home. They share ideas about goal setting, making time for readin…
Read Aloud [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:04
Shannon and Mary share their tips and tricks for one of the most enjoyable experiences of reading with young readers: Read Aloud! We share professional resources, essential tips for working with struggling readers, and h…
Guided Reading [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
Shannon shares how guided reading groups are the non-negotiable element in her daily classroom. In this episode Mary and Shannon weigh in on the importance and power of small group teaching of guided reading.Resource Lin…
Alphabetic Principle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:46
Mary discusses the concept of alphabetic principle and strategies for teaching blending. Resource Links:NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, we earn a small amount from your qualifying purchases. We'd appreciate if you…
More Listener Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
Great news! Shannon is here to help address more listener questions about Lucy Calkins, comprehension strategies and professional development for reading specialists.Resource Links:NOTE: As an Amazon Associate program, w…
Kids Who Fly Under the Radar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:07
Mary discusses a student she is working with who flies under the radar in his general education classroom. In this discussion, she poses the question "Who are kids who fly under the radar? How can we better address their…
Listener Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
Mary responds to listener questions about time management and the components of a tutoring session. Resource Links:OG Drill informationI <3 Emily Gibbon's materials at The Literacy NestOur episode on Executive Functionin…