Welcome to Camp SELway!
From GoKidGo

 
 

 What it’s all about…

Camp SELway is the audio storytelling world where students learn social and emotional learning skills (SEL) while going on big adventures with new friends. Available in English and Spanish on two exciting elementary series (pre-K - 2nd grade, and 3rd - 6th grade).

 

Listen to the teaser and first episodes

Why audio?

  • Provides access to relatable, enthralling, relevant stories for all kids.

  • Activates the imagination.

  • Builds confidence and language and literacy skills.

  • Keeps easily distracted students extremely focused

  • Allows for self directed learning while teachers work with small groups or individuals.

 

Why SEL?

Improves academic performance

  • 11% academic gain.

  • Improved attitudes about self, others, and school.

  • Positive classroom behavior.

  • Helpful to both children and teachers.

  • Fewer behavioral problems.

  • Reduced emotional distress.

Download a sample learning guide!

Each episode of Camp SELway includes a robust learning guide. Camp SELway learning guides include everything teachers need to apply SEL audio stories to teaching and learning in the classroom.

Camp SELway

Camp SELway Jr.

 

Quick links

Meet the team

Barclay Burns

Full Bio

Ramona Trevino

Full Bio

Patrick Carman

Full Bio

Contributors

University of Texas Elementary Educators

  • Jennie Noonan, Kindergarten Teacher

  • Lucy McCoy, Second Grade Teacher

  • Carly Kennedy, Third Grade Teacher

  • Noura Wakim, Intervention Specialist

  • Maria Figueroa, Intervention Specialist, Bilingual

  • Janet Evans, Librarian

  • Andrea Menchaca, SEL Coordinator

  • Dr. Nicole Whetstone, Deputy Superintendent

Testimonials

Testimonials

Storytelling is such a natural way to teach lessons. Humans have used tales to instruct and inspire for generations! Camp SELway and Camp SELway Jr. have built on this tradition by bringing engaging and relevant storytelling--in the cutting edge form of podcasts!---into the classroom. Now more than ever our kids need social and emotional learning tools. What better way to impart SEL skills through schools than with storytelling in a format that resonates with today’s students at the intersection of tradition and technology?”

Laila Zabaneh

Education Consultant, Houston, TX; Former Intermediate Teacher

Podcasts are outstanding teaching and learning resources. They not only help students become better listeners, but also support increased comprehension of the spoken and written language. For this reason, SELway offers the perfect medium to bring SEL to classrooms in a dynamic, engaging way. Teachers and students will fall in love with the characters and feel genuinely entertained by each of the episodes while gaining an understanding of important SEL concepts. The SELway podcasts and learning guides program should be in every classroom.“

Leca Klam

Primary Teacher & Intervention Specialist, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC

I'm so impressed with SELway as an SEL resource. It highlights many of the core SEL competencies in engaging and creative ways while reinforcing the critical need to acknowledge and value diversity, create equitable and inclusive learning spaces for all children, and recognize the social context in which learning occurs. This is a rich program that will be embraced by all students -- especially students with diverse learning styles, cultures and language backgrounds, including English Learners. SELway will definitely expand the often narrow scope of purely SEL instruction by bringing a deeper dimension and greater relevance to the SEL learning experience. Bravo!!!”

Dr. Hector Montenegro

Senior District Consultant, CASEL; Former Superintendent & Principal

SELway is what we've all been waiting for! Right now, more than ever, kids need the support of strong social and emotional guidance as they develop their unique identities. Camp SELway and Camp SELway Jr. not only provide kids, parents, and educators with applicable SEL resources for tackling challenges, but also do wonders by bringing essential life lessons to light through imaginative and adventurous storylines. The most effective learning is fun and engaging! Each SELway episode draws the listener into the story and opens the door for self reflection. Each corresponding learning guide serves as a catalyst for important conversations around the lessons. SELway is definitely an incredible, must-have resource for both teachers and students in today's world!”

Rebekah Macden

Education Consultant & Learning Specialist; Former International Intermediate Teacher

As a mom and administrator, I see SELway becoming an important resource for all kids to improve their academic, social and emotional life journey. Together, using SELway as a coordinated learning tool, our children will fuel a culture of tolerance, inclusion and self-discovery.”

Nicole Conley

Managing Director Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC; Former AISD Chief Financial Officer

Many district leaders have realized the necessity of integrating SEL skills into academic content as they welcome students, especially our younger learners, back into the classroom. Very fluid realities exist from the pandemic that may continue to add a layer of trauma to physical educational experiences; it is our responsibility to source solutions that best support students during this challenging, transitional time. The current situation presents an undeniable need to Maslow before you Bloom so our students have the strong social and emotional foundation to flourish in their learning environments. SELway is a wonderfully designed resource which aims to provide schools with a fun and interactive way to help young students adapt and thrive as they adopt core SEL competencies into their normative behaviors. The dynamic characters are sure to touch the hearts of students and teachers alike!

Dr. Thymai Dong

Director of Community Solutions, E3 Alliance, Austin; Former World Languages Supervisor, Austin ISD

In a time when creating an environment where students feel safe and valued is of paramount importance--and at a moment when students are facing unprecedented challenges to effectively managing their emotions and stress--educators everywhere are looking for ways to help kids in the classroom. SELway is a curriculum-aligned program for social and emotional (SEL) invested schools. Having a resource as a podcast or visual story makes it accessible to all learners. The Camp SELway and Camp SELway Jr. characters and stories are highly relatable and the lessons shared can be applied to all of life’s situations, both in the schools and in the home. This resource is an easy way to integrate SEL in the classroom every day and support children in a meaningful, cost-effective, and thoughtful way.

Dr. Melissa Chavez

Associate Vice President & Superintendent of The University of Texas Charter School System

SELway is a wonderful mix of fun, fantasy, adventure, and essential lessons that children need to grow socially and emotionally. A winning combination that kids will enjoy and teachers will appreciate; laying a foundation for a brighter future during these challenging times.

Jeanne Klein

Jeanne & Michael Klein Foundation

SELway is a fresh approach to teaching social emotional knowledge and skills via a highly engaging format with diverse characters. The 15-minute Camp SELway and Camp SELway Jr. episodes are ideal, enabling educators to maximize instructional time by effectively weaving together language arts and SEL skills. Students will undoubtedly enthusiastically participate in the fun, thought-provoking activities provided as part of the SELway program. Given how economical and turnkey this program is to implement, there is no good reason not to introduce Camp SELway to schools as efficiently as possible. Research supports that students who participate in SEL initiatives experience greater success in school – and in life! Without reservation, I highly recommend SELway.

Dr. Suzanne Burke

Education Consultant; Former Austin ISD Associate Superintendent of Curriculum

SELway is a turnkey product educators can use right now to begin to reverse the impact of Covid 19. Using fun, friendly SEL characters in an immersive podcast format, SELway engages students in learning activities to help them discover their own SEL superpowers and develop a healthy approach to navigating their world. For less than the cost of a 20 oz bottle of Coca-Cola per child each year, teachers can use SELway to empower kids, helping them cope with their feelings and regain their social and emotional footing. This resource will not only support kids through the trauma of Covid, but also support the entire community toward healing.

Dr. Libby Doggett

Former Deputy Asst. Secretary of Policy & Early Learning, Department of Education