Social-emotional skills grow with practice, not only discussion. These activities give students short, low-stakes ways to name a feeling, plan a reset, thank a classmate, and think through a hard choice, built around the five CASEL competencies.
I'm planning for and want people to build social-emotional skills
All activitiesPick a character from a story we read. What was the character feeling at one moment? Tell us what they did or said that helped you figure it out.
K–8 · English and reading · Build social-emotional skills
Think about a time when schoolwork feels frustrating. What helps you calm down and try again? Name one thing you already do and one new thing you will try.
K–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Give a shout-out to someone in our class. Say what they did and how it helped you or the group. Be specific so they know exactly what you noticed.
K–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Imagine a group chat starts making fun of a classmate. What are your options? Name two, say what could happen with each, and tell us which you would choose and why.
6–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Tell us one thing you did this month that you are proud of. It can be big or small. What did you do, and what does it show about you?
K–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Pick a person from something we studied or read. Retell one event from their point of view. What did they see that others might have missed?
6–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Imagine a teammate wants to do a project a different way than you do. Show how you would disagree with respect. Say what you heard, share your view, and suggest a next step.
6–12 · Any subject · Build social-emotional skills
Posts wait for your approval, so you see every response before classmates do.
Stories and imagined situations mean no one has to share something painful.
If a video raises a concern, talk with the student and follow your school's process.