Three Easy Social Emotional Learning Activities

As educators, we are constantly presented with programs and initiatives that change from year to year. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is here to stay, and for good reason! SEL helps students learn coping skills and how to manage their emotions in different everyday settings. This results in a fast track to building relationships and more time for meaningful instruction. If SEL is new to you, you might not know where to start. Here are three easy SEL activities you can incorporate into your class right now!

1. Daily Check-in or Daily Check-out

   There are moments at the beginning or the end of class that lull while waiting for the next transition. Use this time to build relationships as a class! Here's an example. Ask students how they're doing by "show of thumbs". Thumbs up, thumbs down, and sideways thumbs are quick indicators to gauge how students are feeling that day. It also gives students a chance to share and become used to recognizing their emotions without feeling pressured to elaborate. Take that opportunity to do the same and share why you feel the way you do. You don't have to be detailed, but take a moment to share more about yourself. Students might come around to explain their own experiences or ask about your feelings at another time. Creating a space for dialogue goes a long way.

   
   

2. Brain Breaks

   Part of SEL is self-regulation. If you notice students nodding off or bouncing with energy during a lesson, use a brain break as a reset. Mindful breathing exercises, short stretching routines, and silly dance tutorials online can help student with their energy and emotional levels. Then the lesson can continue with better regulated students.

   
   

3. Class Discussion Policies

   Meaningful class discussions must be modeled for students to understand the expectations of academic conversations. In the same way, students can be taught to respectfully give their opinions and disagree with others. Take time to come up with discussion policies. Create a poster with a class to hang up for reference. It gives students practice to think through what they think and feel before responding. This helps students gain a sense of self-awareness and manage their thoughts before they act.

These activities can be used and adapted for any classroom. Take time to consider which you would like try first and work your way up. Get comfortable using social emotional learning to enhance instructional time and build classroom community. Be intentional and you will see results!

If you have any questions or experiences to share, leave a comment below! Let's support our fellow educators.