Building Problem-Solvers Through Social Emotional Learning with Meghan Princehorn
In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Princehorn, a school social worker, to talk about the powerful connection between social emotional learning skills and success in the classroom—especially in math. Meghan shares insights from nearly two decades of collaboration and practical strategies you can use right away.
Meet Meghan Princehorn: Supporting Students Through Social Emotional Learning
Meghan introduces herself and explains her role as a school social worker. Listeners will learn how she supports both teachers and students in building regulation skills that make learning possible. Her perspective is a must-hear for teachers who want to better understand the “whole child.”
Why Regulation Skills Matter for Social Emotional Learning
We explore the “window of tolerance” and how it affects a student’s ability to learn, problem-solve, and think clearly. Meghan shares simple ways teachers can help students stay in that optimal zone throughout the day. These skills don’t just calm students—they create the foundation for deeper learning.
Embedding Social Emotional Learning in Math
Math often feels overwhelming for students, but Meghan and I discuss how embedding SEL practices like breathing strategies, reflection, and goal setting transforms classrooms into communities of problem-solvers. This isn’t just about solving math problems—it’s about teaching kids how to tackle any challenge with confidence.
What Teachers Can Do When Challenges Arise
From disruptive behavior to negative self-talk, Meghan shares strategies every teacher can use when things get tough. We break down:
- The four functions of behavior (attention, avoidance, sensory, tangible).
- How relationships and motivation encourage effort.
- How to help students reframe thinking errors like black-and-white thinking or “fortune telling.”
Her advice is practical, compassionate, and teacher-tested.
One Word to Teachers Everywhere
At the end of our conversation, Meghan shares the one piece of advice she wishes every teacher could hear when building a classroom community. It’s short, powerful, and something you can carry into your teaching tomorrow.
Listen to the Full Conversation
This episode is packed with strategies you can put into action right away. If you’re ready to create a classroom where students are confident problem-solvers, you won’t want to miss it.
🎧 Listen now, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review so more teachers can join the conversation.
⭐️ Do you believe math class can be more than worksheets + groans?
Same.
That’s why I wrote Word Problem Workshop—out Oct 24!
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