The month of March brings to a close the first quarter of 2025. It is a time of change, as the chilling wind of winter transforms into the warm breeze of spring. March is traditionally a time of growth and harvest as the weather offers moderate temperature and rainfall. This is a month of symbolism that people could view as a sign of encouragement, as well as a reminder to be aware of those around us.

The month begins with days that encourage us to seek knowledge of oneself and others. March 3 is Social Emotional Learning Day (SEL), which focuses on urging people to better understand their emotions, so that they may make responsible decisions to build positive relationships. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL involves five core competencies that can be applied in the classroom, at home, and in our communities. These five core competencies are:

• Self-Awareness,
• Self-Management,
• Social Awareness,
• Relationship Skills
• Making Responsible Decisions

 A great way programs can celebrate SEL day is by challenging their students to find songs that inspire positive coping skills, gratitude, accountability, self-efficacy, resiliency, and self-motivation. The five competencies can be used as a motivator for people to work towards achieving their goals and is a perfect transition to the following day, March 4.

Due to its unique pronunciation, March 4^th sounds like a proclamation to continue forward. It is a decree to persist toward a goal or to continue the resolution that you made at the beginning of the year. As it pertains to those working in afterschool programs, March 4 could be used by staff as a day to remind students that their actions are progress towards achieving their goals. To help student identify their goals and measure their progress, have them create a “March 4 Board of Goals.” This vison board is a visual representation of what they would like to achieve for the remainder of the school year.

Historically, March 4 also indicates the moment when the US Constitution went into effect. Thus, becoming the law and guiding principles that guide our nation. An activity you could use for this day is to encourage students in your program to create a site constitution. The site constitution should include statements which establish program’s norms and encourage positive behavior.

Conversely, to creating actionable tasks, March is the month that reminds us to take pause both physically and mentally. This happens annually during Spring Break, a time to rest from the routines of our daily work. For many students it is a time to enjoy, reflect and reenergize in preparation for the last months of the academic year. You can reserve space for meditation and reflection. Teaching students to relax and discover positive ways to reduce stress and fatigue will benefit them both physical and mentally.

For those who are classic literary enthusiasts, the "Ides of March" by William Shakespeare is a fateful story to beware of friends’ acquaintances. This date, which is March 15 on the Roman Calendar, signifies a warning to Julius Caesar to be aware of potential dangers from his colleagues which lead to his death. This story can be complex so a good book for younger youth to better understand the story is written by Jeanette Vigon entitled “Shakespear for Kids Julius Ceaser.” Consequently, the Ides of March is about betrayal and the importance of having have a support system to help youth achieve their goals. As part of the lessons learned from the book, programs can reserve time for noncompetitive team building activities to build trust among students in the program. They can also teach conflict resolution skills to help students to positively resolve disputes. The month of March is a time for personal growth, to Spring into action, yet to take time for yourself and trusted friends.

Resources and references:

26 Tried and True Trust Building Activities McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A. & Tsang, J. (2002). Teaching Expertise. 48 Creative Team-Building Activities for Kids - Teaching Expertise

Jones, J. N., & Deutsch, N. L. (2011). Relational strategies in after-school settings: How staff–youth relationships support positive development. Youth & Society, 43(4), 1381-1406.

Vigon, J., (2024). Shakespeare for Kids Julius Ceasar

For most people by February, the newness of the new year has begun to fade. Yet this month has elements, such as Valentine’s Day, that remind us to show gratitude, appreciation, and love. Traditionally Valentine’s Day activities focus on feelings we have for others through cards and candy. Yet, as it relates to the out- of- school time field, Valentine’s Day provides opportunities to show our appreciation and gratitude of key people in our lives. This day should be a celebration for showing respect, thankfulness and building relationships with others. These are skills youth should display all year long.

Research in positive psychology has shown that expressing the feeling of gratitude has a positive effect for the well-being, health, self-esteem, and attitude of youth (Wood, Froh, & Geraghty, 2010). This starts with building relationships. Relationships in general require several crucial components, listening to others, paying attention to what others say, being trustworthy and expressing gratitude and being enthused about your work (Jonen, & Deutsch, 2011). During Valentine’s Day, staff should make special efforts to acknowledge the good qualities of youth and their families for supporting their afterschool program. Students should be encouraged to express gratitude by writing notes or verbally acknowledging a kind gesture to strengthen relationships with people in their lives.

One reliable way to positively strengthen relationships is to express gratitude, appreciation, and respect. Actions based on these qualities is an ability everyone can do. McCullough, Emmons, and Tsang (2002) found that people who showed gratitude to others are more likely to feel more valued by their family, friends, and teachers than those whose actions are based on obligation. Furthermore, McCullough et al. (2001) indicates that encouraging responses received from showing appreciation to others becomes a repetitive act. Thus, the giver receives as much of a positive affirmation as the individual receiving the benefit. Additionally, the benefactor becomes an example for others to follow which increases the likelihood of additional people extending the practice. So, this Valentine’s Day, let’s teach youth ways to give the gift of gratitude, appreciation, and respect, which is a skill that keeps on giving. The following are some positive ways to show your appreciation to others:

• Write letters to service members or the elderly in nursing homes.
• Collect much-needed items for your local humane society and/or animal shelter.
• Deliver stuffed animals, handmade artwork, or cards to sick children in the hospital.
• Create a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt.
• Host a Heart Walk.

One of these slight gestures will go a long way towards brightening someone’s day.

References:

McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A. & Tsang, J. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical topography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 112-127

Jones, J. N., & Deutsch, N. L. (2011). Relational strategies in after-school settings: How staff–youth relationships support positive development. Youth & Society, 43(4), 1381-1406.

 Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: a review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30, 890–905. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005