Mindfulness is often taught as quiet time, but students need skills they can actually use. RAD makes mindfulness practical by breaking it into two simple strategies: Taking Notice: Looking In and Taking Notice: Looking Around. These skills help students notice thoughts and emotions, ground themselves using their senses and breath, and respond with intention instead of reactivity—even when things feel hard.

As teachers, we do not get to choose which students we teach. We teach all of them. That reality raises an important question: How do we support well-being in a way that actually fits the complexity of real classrooms?

No one likes the RAD SEL lessons! My videos are awful: Nervousness, fear, uncertainty. Creating RAD for Life has brought with it many uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. This blog is as much for you as it is for me, as I practice what I preach and dive into the topic of acceptance. The RAD SEL lessons promote acceptance as a way of responding to the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that inevitably show up in life. While many SEL programs focus on coping, in RAD we believe

The theoretical foundations of the RAD SEL program.

Learn what CASEL is and if your SEL program aligns with it. Why is this important and how does RAD align?

Many SEL classrooms use daily emotional check-ins where students are asked to publicly name how they feel. What are some benefits and concerns around this proactice?

Are you worried that teaching SEL may turn into group therapy. That isn't the goal. Learn how to avoid this.