Working with the Education Director of the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, Vicki Zakrzewski, we’ve created The EDMO Method®, our very own Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. The EDMO Method is simple, yet the effects are profound. It is grounded in the understanding that the way you act affects the way you think which in turn affects the character traits that you develop. At EDMO we intentionally weave in opportunities for kids to practice their SEL skills in all of our programs.
CLICK on each section to learn more about the components of The EDMO Method.
We intentionally design all of our programs to provide kids the opportunity to practice our six EDMO® RECIPE skills.
Research shows that how you think affects how you act. Below are the 4 mindsets that we encourage children to develop. The “I” statements are examples of ways we encourage campers and staff to embody and practice each mindset.
Growth Mindset
Connected Mindset
Mindfulness
Maker Mindset
As kids practice SEL skills regularly and build their EQ, they become more Curious, Courageous and Kind – universal character traits that research shows are highly predictive of high achievement and life satisfaction…i.e. Happy Grown-Ups.
How does curiosity, courage and kindness work to make us better, healthier, happier humans?
Curiosity
When our curiosity is piqued, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine that makes us feel good. Our hippocampus is also activated, which helps us form memories. That means curious kids remember more and want to learn more. Studies have also shown that when we express curiosity in others, we build closer relationships and are even perceived as more attractive by others.
Courage
At its core, courage is the willingness to act in the face of fear, uncertainty and doubt. It is a cognitive ability that can be trained. Our campers practice staying emotionally present and mindful, especially during challenging situations. That way their actions reflect positive character traits rather than negative instincts, and they build grit at the same time.
Kindness
Kindness is truly the most powerful character trait. Like most anti-depressants, acts of kindness stimulate serotonin and endorphins and reduce cortisol levels. Practicing kindness has also been shown to strengthen the heart muscle, extend your life span and reduce anxiety. That means while you’re doing good for others or the environment, you’re less stressed and happier. You’re also connecting deeply with others. No wonder you become a happier grown up!
At EDMO we know that kids learn by doing. That’s why we designed The EDMO Vibe™ Game for kids to practice developing their SEL skills while having fun.
The EDMO Vibe Game is currently in development for Summer 2021. We are working to create a game for in-person and online programs that will allow campers to earn points and rewards across all EDMO programs! Check back in February for more details.
Starting day one at camp, our campers learn to show gratitude and recognition of others by giving SNAPS. SNAPS are a distinctive action and sound pattern that direct positive energy toward someone being recognized for a kind act: “Pat-Pat-Clap-Clap-Snap-Snap-YEEAAAH!” (Two pats, two claps, two snaps, wiggly fingers sending the energy on its way.) It’s impossible not to smile when you get SNAPS.
This intentional time in our daily camp day allows kids to put their SEL skills into practice through a variety of tools including, The EDMO Vibe Game, Kimochis (stuffed animals used as a social emotional teaching tool to help kids understand their emotions, communicate their needs and build empathy), dynamic mindfulness exercises (think meditation meets yoga) and more. In addition to general focus on each piece of The EDMO Method, each week kids create crafts, play games and read stories highlighting a specific skill.
At EDMO, we know that supporting kids in their SEL skill building begins with ensuring that ALL EDMO staff are trained in both the theory and practice of SEL. Our Learning Coordinators (typically credentialed teachers or educator professional development experts) model, coach and provide training for EDMO instructors, focusing on the integration of SEL into all aspects of the camp day including effective tools for curriculum delivery and behavior management.
