What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?
According to CASEL, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Early experiences with family, caregivers, and peers shape social-emotional development. People continue to be shaped by their experiences throughout life.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities
Social-emotional activities help kids develop skills to better understand their world and connect with others. Since every child develops at their own unique pace, some concepts may take more time and positive support to learn. SEL activities can be shared in a variety of formats including:
- Classroom curriculum and activities
- Small groups (ie. lunch bunches, after school programs, etc)
- Bookclubs
- One-on-one support
FREE Social-Emotional Resources for Teachers, Parents and Counselors
The book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships grew out of a school-based friendship program. It is filled with quizzes, activities, and opportunities for self-reflection, making it an SEL tool for classrooms, individuals, and groups.
The following worksheets are related to the content of BFF or NRF and the friendship program associated with it. These handouts are designed for elementary-aged kids, and open the door for conversations about emotions, conflict resolution, self-care as well as friendship. They provide a great way for teachers and caregivers to support each child’s personal growth.
Additional Resources
To learn more about social-emotional well-being, check out the following posts.
Mean or Bullying Behavior? Helping Kids Understand the Difference
Five Hidden Friendship Truths that Confuse Kids (and Adults too)
Helping Children Learn to Work Through Anger in a Healthy Way
PASS IT ON. Jessica Speer’s BLOG and books focus on helping kids and families thrive. Posts offer simple ideas to help kids and families connect & foster healthy relationships. If you know someone who might appreciate this content, please pass it on!
I went through each of your worksheets. Each one of them is full of useful techniques! I wish I’d known this stuff when my kids were growing up!
Thanks so much Amy! No doubt, my kids and I will learn and grow from this experience. Whether it’s managing big emotions, conflict resolution…lots of opportunities to grow when we are all under one roof all the time:)