According to Stephanie M. Jones and Emily J. Doolittle (2017), Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) encompasses various skills often referred to by different names, such as character education, personality development, 21st-century skills, soft skills, and noncognitive skills. Each of these terms reflects a unique theoretical background and draws on different research fields. However, as Jones and Doolittle (2017) indicated, the term SEL is preferred because it highlights the importance of learning and growth, aligning with the educational mission to foster academic achievement and active citizenship.
SEL involves teaching children to understand and manage their emotions and interactions. Being able to manage their emotions is an important skill that benefits both kids, others around them, and the whole society. SEL, as Jones and Doolittle content, contributes to success in school, work, relationships, and civic life. The authors further added that this requires cognitive skills like attention and problem-solving, self-beliefs like competence and autonomy, and social awareness, including empathy and conflict resolution.
Social Emotional Learning Activities
Given the importance of SEL in fostering well-rounded development and success in various aspects of life, I went ahead and compiled for you this list of social-emotional learning activities that you can incorporate into your classroom or home routines. These activities are designed to help children develop essential SEL skills in a fun and engaging way:
Here’s a rewritten version of some of your ideas on social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for kids, with an emphasis on creating engaging and impactful experiences:
1. Practice Mindfulness
Introducing mindfulness activities into the daily routine can significantly enhance students’ focus and emotional regulation. Simple breathing exercises, guided meditations, or mindful moments where students focus on their senses can help them center their thoughts and develop a calm, reflective mindset.
2. Gratitude Lists
Encouraging kids to regularly write down things they are grateful for fosters a positive outlook and helps them appreciate the good aspects of their lives. This activity can be done daily or weekly, allowing students to share their lists and discuss why they are grateful for those particular things.
3. Positive Affirmations
Teaching children to use positive affirmations can boost their self-esteem and create a more positive self-image. You can start the day with affirmations like “I am capable,” “I am kind,” or “I can handle challenges.” Over time, these affirmations can help students build resilience and a growth mindset.
4. Encourage Kindness
Creating a culture of kindness in the classroom can be done through various activities. For instance, a “Kindness Jar” where students add notes about acts of kindness they’ve witnessed or received can encourage them to look out for and celebrate positive behaviors.
5. Check-in with Emotions
Regular emotional check-ins help students become more aware of their feelings and understand how to manage them. This can be a simple activity where students use emoji cards or a feelings chart to express how they are feeling at the start or end of the day.
6. Artistic Expression
Art can be a powerful outlet for emotions. Providing time for students to draw, paint, or create sculptures allows them to express their feelings in a non-verbal way. This can be particularly helpful for children who find it difficult to articulate their emotions.
Related: Best Social Emotional Learning Books for Kids
7. Daily Reflection Time
Setting aside time each day for students to reflect on their experiences can help them develop self-awareness and critical thinking skills. They can write in journals about what they learned, how they felt, and what they hope to achieve the next day.
8. Morning Meetings
Starting the day with a morning meeting can build a sense of community and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. During these meetings, students can share news, discuss goals, and participate in team-building activities that promote social skills and cooperation.
9. Celebrate Diversity
Creating an inclusive classroom environment that celebrates diversity can help students appreciate different perspectives and cultures. Activities could include multicultural days, where students share their heritage through food, music, and stories, or discussions about notable figures from diverse backgrounds.
10. Vision Boards
Vision boards are a creative way for students to visualize their goals and aspirations. This activity involves cutting out images and words from magazines or drawing pictures that represent their dreams and desires. It’s a fun way for them to think about their future and what they hope to achieve.
11. Facilitate Positive Classroom Interactions
Encouraging positive interactions among students can be done through cooperative learning activities and group projects. This not only helps them develop teamwork skills but also builds a supportive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.
12. Feelings Cards
Using feelings cards can help students identify and articulate their emotions. These cards typically feature images and words representing different emotions. During circle time or as a part of a daily check-in, students can choose a card that best describes how they are feeling and explain why. This activity promotes emotional literacy and empathy.
13. Daily Greetings
Starting the day with personalized greetings can make each student feel seen and valued. You can vary the greetings with handshakes, high-fives, or verbal acknowledgments. This simple act fosters a positive classroom atmosphere and strengthens student-teacher relationships.
14. Hold Class Meetings
Regular class meetings provide a platform for students to voice their opinions, discuss issues, and collaboratively solve problems. This democratic approach teaches students valuable communication and conflict-resolution skills. It also encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility within the classroom community.
15. Show and Tell
Show and Tell sessions give students an opportunity to share something important to them with their peers. This activity builds public speaking skills, fosters listening and curiosity, and helps students learn more about each other’s interests and experiences, strengthening classroom bonds.
Related: Mindfulness Activities for Kids
16. Circle Time
Circle time is a structured period where students and teachers gather in a circle to discuss various topics. This can include sharing experiences, discussing a book, or reflecting on a particular theme. The circle format encourages equality, openness, and a sense of community.
Final thoughts
There you have it—a comprehensive list of social-emotional learning activities designed to help your students thrive both academically and personally. Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can foster a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel valued, understood, and equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
References
Jones, S. M., & Doolittle, E. J. (2017). Social and Emotional Learning: Introducing the Issue. The Future of Children, 27(1), 3–11. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44219018
