Nurture Groups (Social-Emotional Support)
What are the main objectives of Nurture Groups?
The main aim of Nurture Groups is to promote the development of social skills, emotional well-being, and a supportive environment for children who find it difficult to adjust in regular classes. For example, emotive groups generally aim to strengthen self-regard, train in the discussion of problem resolution, and provide children with correct ways of showing their feelings, which in turn, would make the return to conventional classes easier for them.
Who are the children that benefit from Nurture Groups?
Nurture Groups are usually for the children who are with social, emotional, or behavioral problems like anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or trauma-related issues. The case of a student with social anxiety problem put in a situation where a traditional classroom allows him/her to assist in a group work activity with peers is difficult for that child. The child's social fear can be addressed in the Nurture Group with the help of the staff and other students in the group by giving activities, information, and social training to the child which he/she will learn and practice with a buddy.
How does the structure of a Nurture Group differ from a regular classroom?
Regular classrooms are different from Nurture Groups in being smaller in size and their specific approach to learning. Generally, the groups are formed of 6-10 children that would allow them to be more individualized to these children and to have a strong focus on social-emotional development instead of just meeting academic goals. Activities may be programming, role-playing, and group tasks like a hands-on project that promote teamwork and communication skills.
What role do educators play in Nurture Groups?
In the Nurture Groups, mentors and teachers act as the main facilitators and as role models for the children. They lead children through interpersonal activities and emotional learning experiences. They create a nurturing setting, demonstrate acceptable behavior, and assist kids in developing counteractions. For instance, teachers could conduct activities that involve sharing and empathy, thereby supporting students to comprehend and respond to the feelings of their colleagues.