Talbot Community School hosted a community dinner on Feb. 8, focused on social-emotional learning (SEL). Talbot staff shared information about SEL happening at Talbot and discussed such topics as how to engage with students about their emotions, zones of regulation, and strategies to use when students experience “big feelings.” Families were invited to make their own "tool kits" to take home from resources provided including feelings charts, story cards & cubes, books, games & activities. The community shared in a delicious dinner provided by Wayside Food Programs.

Over 120 people attended the dinner, and feedback from families indicated that this topic was of high interest and relevance. Caregivers wrote:

"I'm so glad to know there are so many social emotional programs here!"

"Se beaucoup des programme pour aider aussi mon fils au contrôle es emotion."

"Thank you for the amazing evening and I have new strategies to talk about calming my children when emotions arise! The food is delicious as always!"

"Foi muito útil iremos practicar."

"I am so glad that kids have a space to regulate their emotions."

The next community dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 30th for Talbot students and their caregivers. If you have questions or want to learn more about community dinners or the community school model at Talbot, contact Kristin Rogers at rogerk@portlandschools.org.