Looking Ahead
SEL that grows with you
In just one year, Griffin Memorial showed what’s possible when play, purpose, and community come together. With Kikori, teachers felt more equipped. Students felt more connected. And Responsive Classroom practices moved from theory to reality—day after day.
At Kikori, we’re honored to partner with Griffin Memorial Elementary and celebrate the amazing work their educators are doing. We can’t wait to see how their SEL story continues to grow.
Consistency
& Joy
Students weren’t just participating—
they were engaging deeply with each other and the themes. From silly greetings to team challenges to reflection prompts, Kikori helped educators build consistency and joy into their mornings.
“I teach Growth Mindset throughout the year—Kikori helps reinforce that with hands-on experiences.”
“Games and theme days bring interest and engagement—we’re building skills without even realizing it.”
Learning Through Play: More Than Just Fun
“It’s more meaningful than just me talking all the time.”
Teachers repeatedly highlighted the power of play-based SEL in helping students connect, self-regulate, and feel safe practicing new skills.
“Play-based SEL activities give students an opportunity to learn in a low-stakes way.”
“The play creates an environment that’s fun and risk-free—they’re not worried about right or wrong answers.”
Read More
At Riverside Elementary in Jackson, MN, a powerful transformation is underway. Led by Principal Kim Meyer and a dedicated team, the school is becoming a place where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
With three years of collaboration between Tuftonboro School and Kikori, Bridges Day has grown from a transition event to a transformational experience. Next year’s focus? Keep what works — and turn up the connection.
Read the study
Through a district-wide partnership with Kikori, LYSD has brought social-emotional learning (SEL) to life in a way that honors Yupik traditions, uplifts student voices, and fosters resilience. This is the story of how a rural district turned SEL into a pathway for healing, growth, and community revival.
Bringing SEL to life
At Griffin Memorial Elementary School in Litchfield, New Hampshire, the belief that “students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and known” isn’t just a philosophy—it’s the foundation of their work. With a commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, Griffin educators set out to create classrooms where students don’t just learn academic skills, but also build empathy, resilience, and community.
Still, implementing SEL consistently—while juggling academics, behavior needs, and daily routines—can be challenging. That’s why, in 2023, Griffin partnered with Kikori to help bring their Responsive Classroom training to life with accessible, engaging tools.
“Kikori brings the concepts of Responsive Classroom to life like no other. It offers activities, ideas, themes, and playlists that bring Morning Meetings to life, enhance the classroom experience, and assist teachers in the continuation and full integration of RC throughout the school day."
DANIEL MITCHELL, PRINCIPAL
The Numbers Tell a Story of Growth
Griffin teachers didn’t just feel more supported—they saw the impact in their classrooms. Feedback collected throughout the year revealed clear improvements:
Kindness & Empathy
“My students are showing empathy and helping each other when needed.”
Teacher Confidence Facilitating SEL
"Whole-body listening during meeting times has improved dramatically.”
Teacher Work Life Balance
“A teacher no longer has to come up with daily activities. They’re done for you, and you can choose what works best for your class.”
Classroom Community & Connection
“Students who have a hard time interacting with peers are learning logical consequences and expressing themselves more positively.”
Cutting Planning Time in Half
From Overwhelmed to Intentional:
Before Kikori, many Griffin teachers were spending up to an hour each week preparing SEL activities. They understood the value, but time was limited.
“All of the activities are high interest and geared toward specific grade levels.”
"In first grade, SEL is so important—but so are the reading, math, and life skills I need to teach. I had to spend extra time outside of school to combine everything,” one teacher shared.
30
Min
avg. weekly SEL planning time thanks to Kikori’s ready-made, searchable content.
The Power of Community: Why Griffin Feels Like Home
One of Griffin’s greatest strengths has always been its community spirit. Teachers describe the school as a place where relationships matter—between staff, students, and families alike.
“It’s a small community where many adults know the students—and that makes them feel truly cared for.”
“My teammates and the support the staff gives one another.”
Authenticity at the Core
That support made it easier for teachers to embrace something new—and to keep showing up for their students in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
“Planning and implementing lessons that target all subjects while using the Responsive Classroom and whole-child approaches—this is the work that fills my soul.”
“The rapport between colleagues is strong. We lift each other up.”
Case Studies
At Riverside Elementary in Jackson, MN, a powerful transformation is underway. Led by Principal Kim Meyer and a dedicated team, the school is becoming a place where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
With three years of collaboration between Tuftonboro School and Kikori, Bridges Day has grown from a transition event to a transformational experience. Next year’s focus? Keep what works — and turn up the connection.
Read the study
Through a district-wide partnership with Kikori, LYSD has brought social-emotional learning (SEL) to life in a way that honors Yupik traditions, uplifts student voices, and fosters resilience. This is the story of how a rural district turned SEL into a pathway for healing, growth, and community revival.
At Griffin Memorial, “students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and known”. With a commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, Griffin educators set out to create classrooms where students don’t just learn academic skills, but also build empathy, resilience, and community.
CASE STUDY
Griffin Memorial Elementary School
How Griffin Memorial Brought SEL to Life Through Play, Connection, and Kikori
