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.

    Download PDF for More Info

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

    #Self-CareSeptember Quote of the Month:

    “Always make decisions that prioritizes your inner peace.”

    – Izey Victoria Odiase

  • Week 1: Action for Happiness Calendar #Self-CareSeptember 

    Give yourself a bear hug. It is so vital to be kind and prioritize self-care. There are so many times where we often neglect to take care of ourselves and sometimes prioritize the care of others. It is essential to make time for ourselves and discover what brings us peace and happiness. We must not forget that we’re human and like plants we need water to grow. #Self-CareSeptember #NourishYourself

    Week 2: Positive Affirmations

    Have youth write down positive affirmations that describe themselves such as “I am kind,” “I am strong,” or “I am confident.” Another idea is to have affirmations written down in a centrally visible place and invite youth to repeat them aloud as you say it along with them. There are plenty of videos available that feature positive affirmations including a nursery rhyme positive affirmations song. As a program idea, you could start each week with affirmations and decide as a group which ones to say together or individually. #Self-CareSeptember #ControlYourHappiness

    Week 3: Kind Notes

    It can often be easier to show kindness to a best friend than to yourself, so imagine how powerful it would be if we treated ourselves with that same compassion. Have youth spend a few minutes to write a kind thoughtful note to themselves.  A few examples youth can write about could be identifying what they’re doing well, reminding themselves of why they are amazing, and for you the adult, reflect and journal on what you are doing well and why you are amazing. #Self-CareSeptember #Self-Compassion

    Week 4: De-stress Plan

    Have youth create a personal plan they can use to help them manage stress and worries. Ask youth what their hobbies are, what makes them smile, have youth to write them down in a plan. Some ideas for a plan could include journaling, playing a sport, or simply being outside. This activity encourages self-awareness by giving youth a chance to reflect on themselves. When they’re not feeling their best, they can refer to their plan and engage in the activities they’ve listed. It is a self-management tool anyone can utilize. #Self-CareSeptember #StressReliever

    Week 5: Accomplishments Box

    Have youth create an “Accomplishments” box to remind themselves of the things they have done well. This is a great way for youth to reflect on all the things they have done. If students are struggling to come up with examples, help them identify their strengths and think about areas they’d like to improve or focus on. #Self-CareSeptember #Strengths

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

  • 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

  • March 2024 - #MindfulMarch