Teaching Social Skills

Our Theory of Change

Jan 28, 2009
bubble 4 comments
Submitted by: Paula Schwed

 At WINGS we’re all about impact. Our Theory of Change chart clarifies how we get the impact we’re after. This is how we will transform the lives of thousands of kids in the years ahead. By teaching social skills, WINGS not only impacts the kids but strengthens the leadership capabilities of the college students who teach them, and spreads best practices to parents and teachers and the community beyond. It’s a Movement!

SEL for all

On February 13th, 2009 Will Thompson says:
As a WINGSLeader for several years and being a Program Fellow for this year, I have seen the direct and indirect impact on the lives of children. But even more fantastic is the impact that I have seen with adults. Personally, I am confident that my SEL skills have broadened and been fine tuned through planning, organizing, and executing social skills activities. I have always heard that a great way to learn something is to teach it to someone else. While teaching our WINGS kids the SEL objectives and encouraging them to use them as social resources, I feel as if I naturally take on these objectives as my own resources. It is true that teaching kids SEL skills does have a positive impact on their everyday lives, but this also stands true for adults as well.

I've seen it happen

On February 4th, 2009 Nicole Lovecchio says:
I have just started my 7th year working for the WINGS program. I can honestly say that I have seen a true change in myself throughout the years. I have been the supervisor of many different WINGSLeaders and have been witness to the growth in their social and emotional skills. It is impossible to lead these in depth social skills activities daily and not be affected by them. I have seen quiet, introverted staff members blossom into strong, effective leaders. I have watched staff who are shy or struggle to get along with others become the glue that holds the staff together. Both of these changes have occurred within me as well. The growth is amazing and I am certain the skills our WINGSLeaders gain from WINGS will be carried with them for life and used as a positive impact on society. Nicole Lovecchio Program Director WINGS @ Chicora Elementary

WINGS Leaders

On February 3rd, 2009 Tony Smith says:
It would be interesting to see a study done on the college students that work for Wings for kids 2 or more years. I would like to see if, 10 years after employment, these students score higher on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) exams, show a higher attachment to their community, and if they are working in fields that they are truly happy in.

I have to agree!

On January 30th, 2009 Ericka says:
I often hear WINGSLeader quoting the creed or objectives to each other outside of work! It's remarkable. I sometimes catch myself using the creed/objectives to help myself make decisions.