It starts with a book: nourishing SEL one story at a time
Beginning October 1, 2025
ELCC is starting a new workshop series
In partnership with the Whitehorse Public Library, the Early Learning and Child Care branch will be offering a new workshop series for early childhood educators working in licenced early learning and child care programs.
"It all starts with a book: nourishing SEL one story at a time" is a 10-part workshop series created for early childhood educators who want to deepen their understanding of social and emotional learning (SEL) in the early years. Workshops are guided by the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) framework, which is a widely used model that outlines five core competencies essential for social and emotional growth. These are: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. These pillars offer a roadmap for helping children (and the educators who support them) develop strong emotional foundations and meaningful social connections.
The 90-minute sessions are inspired by thoughtfully selected children’s books and explore SEL themes through discussion, reflection, and hands-on activities. Educators will gain practical strategies for creating responsive learning environments, supporting empathy, cooperation, self-regulation, and integrating SEL into daily routines and play.
Registration will begin approximately one month before each workshop.
Where: Whitehorse Public Library, 1171 Front Street Time: 6 – 7:30 pm
October 1, 2025 - Building blocks: foundations of SEL with the CASEL framework
Exploring the CASEL framework and supporting children at different stages of their social and emotional development.
October 15, 2025 - Knowing me: developing self-awareness
Helping children identify, name and express their feelings and build emotional vocabulary.
November 19, 2025 - My inner calm: self-regulation and managing ALL emotions
Guiding children as they build calming skills and express big and small feelings in safe and healthy ways.
December 11, 2025 - You and me: exploring empathy and social awareness
Fostering compassion, kindness, and empathy by helping children see and understand others.
January 12, 2026 - Friends and feelings: forming healthy relationships
Supporting friendships and cooperation through activities and behaviours that nurture caring connections.
February 11, 2026 - Tough choices: learning to make good decisions
Guiding children in solving problems and making thoughtful choices during everyday play and interactions.
March 25, 2026 - Listening and talking: communication and SEL
Strengthening children’s ability to share feelings and listen to others with respect.
April 16, 2026 - Strong hearts: building resilience and fairness
Learn how to nurture resilience in young children while fostering fairness, inclusion, and a sense of justice in everyday interactions.
May 19, 2026 - Our community: connection, care and diversity
Strengthening children’s sense of belonging and cooperation by celebrating diversity and building meaningful relationships.
June 9, 2026 - Sharing our stories: reflections and reconnection
A celebration and collective reflection of learning across the workshop series.
For more information, contact [email protected].