Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL Kernel

  • SEL Kernels are short, flexible, easy-to-use strategies and routines that build social and emotional skills. Each Kernel is designed to target a specific skill or competency, such as emotion knowledge, perspective-taking, or conflict resolution.

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  • Join us each month for a new theme and activities to work with your students! This month's theme is #OptimisticOctober

    #OptimisticOctober Quote of the Month:

    “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

    – Jimmy Dean

  • Week 1: Action for Happiness Calendar #OptimisticOctober

    https://actionforhappiness.org/sites/default/files/Oct%202025.jpg

    Optimism isn’t about just seeing the bright side of a situation or donning rose-tinted glasses, optimism is about the hard work of finding new options. When youth are taught how to practice optimism, #OptimisticOctober, they shift into a proactive stance and see that progress is possible. It may just be the underlying skill which allows youth to engage in a growth mindset, with support from a responsible and safe adult. #OptimisticOctober #GrowthMindset

    Week 2: Gratitude Journaling

    A gratitude journal is a powerful tool that all youth would benefit.  When you take time to reflect on what you are grateful for it can help shift your perspective in a positive direction. Gratitude can be found in the smallest things such as birds chirping outside or spending time with family. Whether it’s something new or repeated, what matters is recognizing it. #OptimisticOctober #Gratitude

    Week 3: Positive Reflection

    One way to incorporate optimism is through positive reflection. It is easy to focus on what went wrong but it is possible to also focus on what went right. Encourage youth to name things that they were grateful for throughout the day and things they are excited about the next day.  Another way is taking a nature walk, have youth observe signs of growth, such as plants sprouting or leaves changing color. Then you can discuss how nature shows resilience through changing seasons. #OptimisticOctober #Reflection

    Week 4: Lights on Afterschool 2025

    Each year, we celebrate afterschool programs nationwide through Lights on Afterschool.  Now, more than ever, I encourage every single program to celebrate and sign up for Lights on Afterschool in Afterschool Alliance. We all know the kind of impact afterschool gives us and youth and it is important to acknowledge and spread awareness. #OptimisticOctober #LightsonAfterschool

    Week 5: Vision Boards

    Vision boards are a fun and creative way to help youth motivate themselves to reach their goals and aspirations. Have youth reflect on what they would like to accomplish in a year, or ten years from now. This can be school, career, or personally focused on what they would like to accomplish. This gives youth an opportunity to think positively about the future they want. #OptimisticOctober #FutureGoals

     

SEL Video of the Month


  • What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how can I be part of this?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • What is Social-Emotional Learning and why does it matter?

    Per CASEL, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) reflects the critical role of positive relationships and emotional connections in the learning process and helps students develop a range of skills they need for school and life.SEL Framework by CASEL

SEL Resources

  • I Am Poem Template

  • As the pandemic continues, kids are turning to meditation to manage anxiety

  • SEL skills include the ability to:

    •  set and achieve positive goals
    •  feel and show empathy for others
    •  establish and maintain positive relationships
    •  make responsible decisions
    •  understand and manage emotions

     

    All of these skills are necessary—both for educators and students—to function well in the classroom, in the community, and in college and careers.

    Visit the CASEL Interactive SEL Framework to learn more about the CASEL Wheel  (above)

Previous Monthly Themes

  • September 2025—#Self-CareSeptember

  • August 2025—#AltruisticAugust

  • July 2025—#JumpBackUpJuly

  • June 2025—#JoyfulJune

  • May 2025—#MeaningfulMay

  • April 2025—#ActiveApril

  • March 2025—#MindfulMarch

  • February 2025—#FriendlyFebruary

  • December 2024—#DoGoodDecember

  • November 2024—#NewWaysNovember

  • October 2024—#OptimisticOctober

  • September 2024—#Self-CareSeptember

  • August 2024—#AltruisticAugust

  • May 2024—#MeaningfulMay

  • April 2024 - #ActiveApril