Resources & Ideas
Inspired Minds of the Future
Guest blog by: Michelle Howell, Librarian/Media Specialist for Union Elementary STEAM and Demonstration School in Gallatin, TN As a librarian, I encounter every learner in my school on a weekly basis. I keep my lessons fun and the atmosphere in the library is...
Narratives of Hope in Your SEL Toolbox
We all know the language of teachers possesses the power to inspire or injure, to heal or humiliate. Language sets the academic and emotional climate of the room. The greater awareness of the relationship between the language of the teacher and positive learning...
Tips, Tools, and Texts to Encourage a Growth Mindset
As parents and teachers, we try to encourage kids to take creative risks and understand that mistakes are a good thing! I even came up with a name for our mistakes in my classroom. We called them “growth spurts,” because we grow from them. I announce to my students on...
How to Use SEL Principles in Phy-Ed Classes
Physical education is much more than developing students to be physically fit and healthy, across multiple domains. Our job is to teach students to have confidence in a wide variety of skill sets. But gaining confidence in a physical skill doesn't come easily to every...
Why Does SEL Matter?
Students need to learn how to have effective and positive relationships, perseverance, and well-being for their own success. Students need motivation, effective decision-making, and self-management.
Is Your Glass Half-Filled or Refillable?
How does changing our perception from a deficit mindset (glass half-empty) to an asset-based mindset (glass can be refilled) improve how we perceive our students and how they perceive themselves?
SEL Discussion Resource: I AM GRATEFUL
This week’s SEL discussion resource and class activities guide is on gratitude and how it affects mindset. Each suggestion ties to one of the five core competencies of social-emotional learning.
SEL Discussion Resource: I FEEL CONFIDENT
This week’s free SEL discussion resource focuses on growing a positive sense of self-confidence and collaborating with others for success.
SEL Discussion Resource: LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
This week’s free SEL discussion resource focuses on enjoying every moment in life, but also on looking at how the darker moments help us appreciate the beautiful ones. Each concept ties to one of the five core competencies of social-emotional learning.
SEL Discussion Resource: I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY
The activities and discussion questions in this free classroom resource focus on how external events don’t have to determine our happiness. The discussion is a way to apply the affirmation to each of the five core competencies of social and emotional learning as students learn how to choose to be happy.
SEL Discussion Resource: I BELIEVE IN MY DREAMS
This week’s free classroom discussion resource is about believing in our dreams and overcoming barriers to progress and limiting beliefs. Each concept ties to one of the five core competencies of social-emotional learning and the affirmation: I believe in my dreams.
SEL Discussion Resource: I LOVE CHALLENGES
This week, our social-emotional learning discussion focuses on having a growth mindset about challenges. Students discuss how they feel about challenges and how failure and mistakes are good. The concepts center around the affirmation: I love challenges.
SEL Discussion Resource: I AM STRONG AND HEALTHY
This week, we tie in physical and emotional health with SEL skills. Students discuss how they can make choices that help them to become strong and healthy while becoming aware of what is within their control to change.
SEL Discussion Resource: I AM A GREAT LISTENER
One of the most important SEL skills is active listening. In these exercises, students consider how they can be a great listener and practice their social and emotional learning skills.
SEL Discussion Resource: I AM THE BEST
What does it mean to be the best? How does a personal best become a win? This week’s SEL class discussion prompts provide opportunities to consider how being their best helps students to win at life and achieve positive outcomes.