Term
Summer 2025
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MALED
Facilitator(s)
Karen Moroz
Content Expert
Stacy Sullwold
Abstract
The research question guiding this project is: How can we use fables to strengthen SEL connections with our students and families while enhancing the relationship between character development and life skills? The project addresses growing concerns about student anxiety, depression, and social disconnection while recognizing schools' expanding role in mental health. This work builds upon literature on home-school partnerships, bibliotherapy, and culturally responsive pedagogy, including research on fable comprehension, CASEL's SEL framework, and "funds of knowledge" that honor diverse cultural perspectives.The methodology involved developing a curriculum unit that integrates fables into the existing CharacterStrong SEL program through a Universal Design for Learning framework. The project features bi-weekly fable distribution to families via multiple formats with discussion questions, culturally diverse selections, differentiated engagement strategies, and assessment tools measuring comprehension and participation. The project creates meaningful engagement opportunities for multiple stakeholders. By connecting classroom instruction with home experiences through narrative storytelling, the curriculum fosters deeper understanding of ethical decision-making and strengthens the vital partnership between families and schools in supporting student development. This work contributes to comprehensive SEL implementation and offers educators a research-backed, culturally responsive strategy for addressing students' social-emotional needs.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Character Education, Parent Involvement, Reading, Social Emotional Learning
Recommended Citation
Albers, Eric, "Using Fables to Enhance Social Emotional Learning" (2025). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1115.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1115
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects