Social and Emotional Learning

Therapeutic Horticulture:

A Therapeutic Horticulture program is distinct from a horticultural program in that its paramount focus is student well-being. Because of its therapeutic focus, it is carried out with individuals or small groups which have the added psycho-social benefits of teamwork, communication, social skills, shared experience, mutual respect, and inclusion.

Cooking Classes:

Cooking classes are run each week with groups of 5 students. They focus on healthy, easy to make meals which can be tried at home.

Nurture Classrooms:

The concept of nurture highlights the importance of social environments – who you’re with and its significant influence on behaviour and cognitive ability. Nurture groups offer an opportunity to learn the early nurturing experiences children need to give them the skills to do well at school, make friends and deal more confidently and calmly with the trials and tribulations of life, for life. This philosophy is embedded in all classrooms at Hackham West.

Drum Beat:

The DRUMBEAT program uses social learning theory and cognitive behaviour therapy to deliver a range of social and emotional learning. This includes emotional learning regulation, self- esteem and sense of belonging and healthy relationships. Participants explore social topics and build resilience as well as managing emotions, identity and strength, tolerance, valuing diversity, risk-taking, bullying and social responsibility. Groups of up to 12 students work with trained facilitators to explore these topics while learning rhythm and drumming for an end of program performance.

Kimochi’s:

Japanese for “feelings”, Kimochis are a vital part of our social-emotional learning program.

They are a range of seven charming, tactile, interactive plush toys, each representing a different personality type. In their pouches live small round plush ‘feeling pillows’. The thirty feeling pillows represent the range of emotional challenges experienced by the seven characters: Clover, Huggtopus, Bella Rose, Cloud, Cat, Bug and Lovey Dove.

One of the increasing challenges in society at present is to assist children in expressing their emotions constructively. When children can communicate their feelings, they cultivate confidence, kindness, self-awareness, self-control, resilience and most importantly, gratitude.