Aperture Education is a new social enterprise focused on addressing the whole child. Its social and emotional learning (SEL) solution, Evo Social/Emotional, is designed around the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA), a standardized, strengths-based measure of critical social and emotional skills such as personal responsibility, self-management, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

Playground Challenges: K-1

In this lesson, students will: discuss potential problems on the playground, learn and practice “Think, Pair, Share”, contribute ideas that are different from other people’s ideas, and use prompts to add to one another’s thinking

Social Studies: Maps of Respect: 2nd Grade

In this lesson, your students will have the opportunity to use their cartography skills to create a “Map of Respect” for your school. Simply print out a map of your school and lead a scavenger hunt where students search for clues about respectful behavior.

Think-It-Through Graphic Organizer: 3-5

Consider introducing this graphic organizer to the whole class or in small groups, so that participants can benefit from a wide array of thinking as they begin to embrace their own power in effective decision-making. Hearing other students generate thoughtful and creative responses can serve as a helpful model for individuals who are novices at intentional decision-making.

Post It Up: Middle School

In this lesson, students create a data “visual” that serves as a springboard for a learning-focused dialogue. The key component of a Post It Up Activator is that students vote or visibly display a snapshot of their thinking or responses on a whiteboard, wall, piece of poster paper, or table by using sticky notes (Post-it brand or similar), sticker dots/stars, or initials. The power of this Activator comes with the rich dialogue that follows the Post It Up. The data picture that is generated serves to foster curiosity, connections, and deep thinking.