Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Outcomes

The Benefits of Bringing SQUEAK to Your School

By Penelope Caywood, Education Liaison

Experiencing a live performance helps students gain a better understanding of how theatre works and how stories are brought to life. Seeing the characters of a play come alive sparks students’ own creativity, which helps them express themselves in other areas of their lives.

The character Squeak is neurodivergent, meaning that their brain works differently than a neurotypical brain. It is essential for young students to see diverse characters on stage to encourage acceptance, inclusivity, and understanding.

Neurodiversity is the range of differences in brain function and behavioral traits, such as the differences notable in students with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. Seeing neurodiversity portrayed on stage helps students feel represented, validated, and empowered. By recognizing the experiences of these characters, students learn to become more compassionate, understanding, and respectful of their peers.

Bringing a performance of SQUEAK to your school will reduce the stigma surrounding neurodiversity and create a more inclusive, understanding, and accepting environment for all students.

SEL OUTCOME 1: UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE EMOTIONS

• Engaging in SQUEAK will allow students to identify and articulate the emotions felt by the characters, and they will observe the impact of emotions on the characters

• SQUEAK also provides moments for students to practice using a coping strategy to manage their emotions

SEL OUTCOME 3: FEEL AND SHOW EMPATHY FOR OTHERS

• This play also encourages students to consider another’s point of view.

SEL OUTCOME 4: ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

• Seeing SQUEAK may help students understand how to interact with others who are different from them.

SEL OUTCOME 5: MAKE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS

• Throughout the play, Squeak reflects on and takes responsibility for their decisions and how those decisions impact their social interactions.

SEL OUTCOME 6: SELF-ADVOCATE

• With guidance from adults, Squeak learns to communicate more effectively and assert their personal needs and wants.