The Kids Wellness Podcast

#058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta


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Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, co-author of "The Change You Want to See" and Deputy Superintendent of Harlem Community School, as they explore how mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) transform school communities.

Drawing from her 30 years as an educator and leader in Harlem, Dr. DeCosta shares her personal journey and practical tools for creating schools where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

Some highlights: • How "The Change You Want to See" emerged from leading through the pandemic • What culturally responsive and affirming SEL looks like in practice • Building belonging through self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection • The power of consistent daily mindfulness in transforming school culture • How courageous leadership creates trust, inclusion, and collaboration • Practical advice for educators who fear "getting it wrong" in cultural conversations • Three key steps to start a mindfulness and SEL practice in your school • Why belonging is the foundation for student and teacher success

Find Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta here: Bluesky: @decostadawn.bsky.social LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnd2 Instagram: @decostadawn Facebook: facebook.com/share/17SWiAftGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: crasel.net EdWeek webinar: event.on24.com/wcc/r/4958646/4500AE53823221BC3B9545977E800930

🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.

Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

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The Kids Wellness PodcastBy Giselle Shardlow