SEL 101: Where to start and how.

Inside this post:  not a lot of fluff, just the starting points to kicking off SEL in your classroom.  Keeping it simple with tools and resources to get social emotional learning a regular part of your classroom community!

Many districts are pushing social emotional learning as educational targets and learning standards; however, are you feeling equipped to tackle SEL? 

Has your district prepared you? Are you floating in a land of unknown, or are you somewhere in the middle where you have some ideas but are looking for more...

I sent out a survey a little bit ago and some of you asked, "where do I begin with SEL?"

💡SEL 101💡

Start small and stay consistent.

A daily check-in is a great place to start. This can be done in a variety of ways:

✏️📒 have your students free write on included pages, or give learners the pages with thoughtful journal prompts promoting feeling exploration and self awareness.

🌞🙂 start the day off with a check-in to see how your student is doing, feeling, and what they may need help processing or problem solving. This is a healthy way to take a pulse on the day and a way to loop in a counselor, if needed. (this jam-packed resource includes the JOURNAL mentioned above as well as an SEL game - perfect for small groups and counseling sessions, also included are lessons on feelings and a thoughtful brainstorm on the components of what makes up a good day and more!!) 

💬🤓 these 32 conversation cards are a great way to lead a guided group discussion and get your students talking about and practicing coping skills.

Set aside a 10 minute block in your day as your SEL block.

Some days may be quiet journaling, or discussions, or feeling exploration, a lesson on or , or a . (this video is one of my favorites to introduce mindfulness with my students.  I also like to pair this unit with CALM stories from the Cultivating Calm resource.

Know that mindfully putting SEL into practice builds life long skills for your learners. Coping skills aid students' achievement in school, promotes healthy relationships, and greater personal success.

Pick a topic an dive in!

SEL is fun and rewarding!!

🍏Stay Mindful,

Victoria