In my years working as an SEL Coach in an elementary school, I’ve learned that embedding SEL is truly one of the most powerful ways to really enhance and teach these skills. One extraordinary way to seamlessly integrate SEL into the classroom is by partnering with The Pulsera Project. This initiative, centered around vibrant handwoven bracelets, provides a unique avenue for teachers to connect their students with global issues while simultaneously nurturing crucial social and emotional skills.
What’s The Pulsera Project?
Before delving into the ways this project aligns with SEL, let’s briefly explore what the Pulsera Project even is. Founded on the principles of fair trade and empowerment, the Pulsera Project collaborates with artisans in Nicaragua and Guatemala to create beautiful, handwoven bracelets known as “pulseras.” These pulseras serve as both symbols of unity and tangible reminders of the impact that thoughtful consumer choices can have on global communities. By purchasing and selling these bracelets, schools and organizations raise funds for education, housing, and other essential needs in the partner communities.
How does it work?
The Pulsera Project purchases the bracelets directly from the artisan communities, and send them to you! You do not need to purchase any and there are no requirements on how much your community sells. The project sends trifold displays, educational materials, fliers, the bracelets, some beaded purses, and information about the artisans who created each piece. Your school community hosts a sale to sell these beautiful pieces, and any pieces you do not sell, you just send back to The Pulsera Project in a pre-paid shipping envelope. Learn more about what the proceeds from the sales support here.
Connecting the Pulsera Project to Self-Awareness
Engaging with the Pulsera Project provides students with a unique opportunity for self-reflection and self-awareness. As they explore the stories and backgrounds of the artisans creating these bracelets, students gain insights into the lives of individuals in different parts of the world. This awareness extends beyond their immediate surroundings, encouraging students to consider their own values, privileges, and perspectives in a global context. Through discussions, journaling, or other presentations, teachers can guide students in reflecting on their own identities and understanding how these identities shape their views of the world.
Cultivating Empathy and Relationship Skill
One of the core tenets of SEL is the development of empathy and relationship skills. The Pulsera Project facilitates this by creating a tangible link between students and the artisans. As students learn about the challenges faced by these communities, empathy naturally emerges. Discussing the economic, social, and cultural aspects of the artisans’ lives opens avenues for meaningful conversations about global interconnectedness and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.
Teachers can encourage students to explore questions such as, “How would you feel if you were in their shoes?” or “What can we learn from their experiences?” These discussions not only enhance empathy but also lay the foundation for building positive relationships, fostering a sense of responsibility for the well-being of others.
Promoting Responsible Decision-Making
The Pulsera Project empowers students to make informed and responsible decisions with a global impact. By actively participating in the initiative, students become conscious consumers who understand the power they hold in contributing to positive change. Educators can guide students in exploring the social and environmental implications of their choices, encouraging critical thinking about the consequences of consumer decisions.
Additionally, when students take part in organizing Pulsera Project events or sales, they develop organizational and leadership skills. Planning and executing fundraisers for a cause greater than themselves instills a sense of responsibility and agency, aligning with the SEL competency of responsible decision-making.
Fostering a Sense of Purpose and Social Awareness
Importantly, the Pulsera Project provides students with a sense of purpose beyond the classroom. Engaging in initiatives that contribute to the well-being of others fosters social awareness and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Teachers can guide students in exploring how their actions, no matter how small, contribute to a larger narrative of global solidarity and interconnectedness.
Let’s do this
The Pulsera Project offers a dynamic platform for educators to seamlessly weave SEL into their classrooms. By connecting students with artisans around the globe through the creation and sale of pulseras, teachers can nurture essential social and emotional skills that extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.
Want to get involved? Check out how you can bring the Pulsera Project to your school community and truly integrate SEL in a meaningful, tangible way.
