Teaching is hard.
It’s hard because we care. Deeply.
After 15 years in the classroom, one truth remains unshaken: my commitment to helping students human—to grow, feel, and navigate the world with compassion and confidence. More than ever, kids need this.
Why SEL Belongs in Every Classroom
Teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) isn’t a bonus anymore—it’s a must. You might be thinking, “I don’t have time for this.” Trust me, I hear you. But here’s the good news: SEL doesn’t require fancy programs or extra hours. Sometimes, all you need… is chocolate chips.
Meet Anton: A Boy with a Heart of Gold
Let me introduce you to Anton, a fifth-grade student I will never forget.
He came from an unstable home. During fourth grade, he was terrified to come to school because of COVID. He was far below grade level and academically struggling. But Anton had something powerful—heart. He showed up some days exhausted from sleeping on the floor, but still eager to learn.
When faced with problems like 564 divided by 6, he’d try—really try—but the numbers just wouldn’t click. While learning was hard for Anton, loving others and solving problems weren’t.
We built our relationship on one promise: if he gave me everything he had, I would never let him down. He had been let down before—many times—but I modeled consistency, vulnerability, and strength. I shared my own childhood struggles. I filled our classroom with picture books featuring boys just like him. I wanted Anton to know: You are not alone.
So, where do Chocolate Chips come in?
Think about baking cookies. The base ingredients—butter, flour, sugar, vanilla—represent your core curriculum and academic standards. Now imagine dropping in those chocolate chips. That’s SEL. Those rich, sweet moments don’t replace the cookie—they make it better.
SEL transforms the good into unforgettable.
One Lesson, Two Standards
Just last week, I read I Don’t Want Curly Hair to my class. The focus? Main idea, a fifth-grade reading standard. But as I guided the discussion using prompts from my SEL Picture Book Guide, something beautiful happened: students began opening up, showing empathy, and connecting with one another.
I hit two targets with one lesson: SEL and Main Idea.
#YesPlease
SEL Happens in the In-Between Moments
It’s not always planned. In fact, I believe the most powerful SEL moments come during spontaneous conversations. Let me share one that still makes my heart soar.
Three years ago, I taught a student who was incredibly bright—but also deeply emotional. In September, a hard day meant full-on tantrums, torn-up papers, and yelling that he didn’t care for me. As a natural people pleaser, it broke me.
But time, consistency, and SEL changed everything. By May, that same student handed me this letter:
Dear Miss Hinshaw,
You have taught me so much this year about dealing with my emotions. I do not like to get problems wrong because it makes me feel stupid. You have shown me that it is ok to make mistakes and that I am learning when I make a mistake. You have shown me how to take a deep breath before I cry. I want to thank you. You will always be my favorite teacher.
From,
(student)
The Heart of Teaching
Both of these stories remind me of what really matters. Teaching SEL in the classroom is one of the best decisions I make for my students—every single day.
If you want to reach your students’ minds, start with their hearts.
And don’t forget the chocolate chips.
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