“Dream Path SEL had a remarkable effect on my students. As they progressed through the activities, they ALL became aware of an unspoken dream deep within themselves. Their Dream Banners are the outward representation of the confidence to finally speak those hidden dreams in a safe and respected way.”

THOSE WORDS are from Kathy Bosiak, one of the five dedicated teachers who gave us 90 minutes of their time on October 24th for a Dream Path SEL Focus Group. The group received Dream Path materials in the mail and then settled back to be students as we guided them through one of of the many activities in our media-rich, relevant Dream Path SEL curriculum. Then we listened to their feedback.

Here’s who was in the room:

• Kathy Bosiak from Lincolnton High School in Lincolnton, North Carolina (population 11,000)
• Christina Kimmel from Cook-Wissahickon School (PK-8) in the School District of Philadelphia
• Randi Egeley from Mountain View Elementary in Mountain View, Wyoming (population 1,300)
• Sabra Shafi from Shawmont Elementary in the School District of Philadelphia
• Katrina Rachubinsky from Wissahickon Middle School in Ambler, PA (population 6,500 suburban Philadelphia)

We had viewpoints from high school, middle school, and elementary and from rural to inner city. 

Also last month, Dreamline was at the PAEA annual educator conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where we showed up with a nine-foot high Dream Booth filled with students dreams, our new Dream Path SEL materials, and had conversations with dozens and dozens of teachers at all levels. 

And here’s what we heard:

#1 GLOBAL OUTLOOK MATTERS

Teachers see students’ views narrowing in the current climate and coming out of COVID. They like the way Dreamline reaches across countries and US demographics, giving students unfiltered access to other students’ thoughts, ideas, and values.

#2  FLEXIBILITY IS GOOD

Integrating new curriculum successfully takes balance and care. Teachers liked that Dream Path SEL resources are offered in a variety of configurations – 5, 10, 20, and 40 sessions of various lengths.

#3  SEL IN ACTION IS A RELIEF

From what we heard, a lot of SEL in schools is watch a video, then talk about it– again and again. Teachers were pleased to see an activity-based approach and an authentic context for integrated Social-Emotional Learning skills.

When Dreamline Founder Jeffrey Harlan started TikTok Tuesday, he was not sure who would watch or if anyone was really out there. But one recent post garnered more than 600 views (big in the Dreamline world) AND mega-TikTok educator Holly Clark (20K followers) just started following @DreamlineJeffrey! You can too. Here’s one of Holly’s favorites …

Our growing group of Dream Path SEL program subscribers!
(Click the image for an interactive map to see where they all are.)

OUR COMMUNITY GROWTH

COVID was tough on everyone, and especially communities of purpose. Educators were just getting by, and, while things are not “all normal” by any means, we are thrilled to start counting again. So far we’re up to eight school communities committed to connecting dreams. We’ll keep you posted as the growth continues and as we move toward an end-of-year gathering once again in June, connecting folks near and far to celebrate dreams we believe in. 

Philadelphia’s EMIR Healing Center has been enabling healing from trauma and grief for more than 20 years. When they requested that Dreamline take an important role in their September 24 Day of Remembrance for families and loved ones of those lost to gun violence, we jumped at the chance – not only because of the impact and importance of this work but also because it was the first in-person workshop event we’ve done in three years. 

People of all ages sat to draw and write about a city free of gun violence or their dreams for the person they lost. You can see them on our gallery with Keyword search: EMIR. 

TIK TOK TUESDAYS!

Inspired by master educator and Tik Tok sensation Holly Clark,  Dreamline’s Founder and Director of Program Jeffrey Harlan dove into Tik Tok this month, launching a series of very short videos where he reflects on the role of dreams and values in our lives.
If you DO do Tik Tok you can follow @DreamlineJeffrey to see the latest. 
If you DO NOT do Tik Tok you can click below to see Tik Tok Tuesdays to date!

DREAM PHILLY FEST 2023 SET FOR JUNE 4!

Plans are underway for our 2023 year-end culminating Dreamline Event! We will once again bring together our entire Dreamline community celebrating the importance of dreams we believe in with a day-long program featuring thousands of Dreamline Banners, food, music, open Dream mic, dream-related activities and a keynote speaker to inspire us all.

Mark your calendars now whether you live near or far. The Pier’s 8×11 foot digital screen will bring in Dreamline voices from around the world to join the live community gathering. We can’t wait. 

When fashion designer and social justice activist Zarinah Lomax, Dreamline Board Member Serita Lewis, and  Dreamline Founder Jeffrey Harlan met at the Cherry Street Pier last fall, they poured through hundreds of Dream Banners, noting ones that spoke powerfully about gun violence.  

That process culminated this summer with the installation of Zarinah Lomax’s “Apologues: We Are Here” in Philadelphia’s City Hall now through October. It was featured in this news story on one of Philly’s major networks.

Zarinah said the TV anchor cried when he read the closing Banner out loud. You can hear it in his voice. 

The installation is open to the public, and we encourage you to visit it if you are in Philadelphia. More information here. 

PROGRAM FOCUS GROUP

In the 2022-23 year we will are rolling out the Dream Path SEL curriculum program we created last year. To do that in the best way possible, we are inviting people to participate in a Focus Group where we will present the program and invite your opinions. The session will be held on a date in September. If you’re interested in more information and receiving an invite CLICK HERE.

“Your Dream Path SEL program is truly astounding. It’s like a manual for growing thoughtful, tolerant, moral adults who embrace differences and have the capacity to resolve conflicts.” 

Dear Fellow Educator

The quote above is what one experienced elementary and middle school teacher wrote about the Dream Path SEL program we released on February 1st. I hope you’ll  take a look.

If I wanted to check out a new program, I’d want to get the key facts right away.  So here they are: 

What’s it about? 
Dream Path SEL curriculum meets the unique needs of our time by enhancing belonging, empathy, agency, and voice – all while building critical Social-Emotional Learning skills and fostering community.  more here

Who is it for?
Vocabulary and activities are created for ages 8 to 14 and are easily adaptable for older or younger students.

How long does it take? 
The program is designed for ten approximately 60-minute sessions or twenty 30 to 45-minute sessions. For instance, using one or two classes each week, you could do it in March and April this year or in September and October next year.

Where does it fit?
The program is designed for integration in classes such as ELA, Art, or Social Studies as well as in programs for Advisory/Homeroom, Counseling, After School, and Camps. 

What about assessment? 
We have two 10 minute online questionnaires that students take before and after. The questions, developed in collaboration with Penn State researchers, measure group changes in empathy, belonging, agency, and altruism or prosocial behavior. more here

Why now? I’m overwhelmed. Everyone is overwhelmed.
Two reasons.
One is that Dreamline brings hope. It is an “elixir” for the hopelessness and fatigue that surrounds us.
The other is the program is so teacher-friendly that it lightens the load, as opposed to adding to it. But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself. 

What’s the cost?
It’s an annual subscription per teacher or adult leader to use with any number of students for access to the 50+ page teacher guide (for in person and virtual), student facing graphic lesson presentations with over 20 embedded vides of Dreamline Youth Mentors leading the program, and a 20-page student Dream Path Journal. All digital and also available in print. more here

That’s it. I think the other thing I would tell you is that it’s not just a great program for developing all the qualities mentioned above, it is quintessentially Dreamline, which means it’s about connection and community. It brings students into direct contact with each others’ dreams in a deep and transforming way. If you like, listen to Dreamline Youth Mentor Camille talking about that here or Ahmed talking about it here. 

Please be in touch. I’d love to talk with you about bringing this program to your school or organization this year or next.

Thanks and be well. 

Yours,

Jeffrey Harlan
Dreamline Founding Director