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SEL: Real-World Readiness

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Lesson Plan

SEL: Real-World Readiness

Students will be able to define Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and explain its importance in real-world scenarios.

Understanding SEL helps students develop crucial life skills like managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions, leading to greater success and well-being.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, examples, and a short activity.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is SEL?

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students what they think
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Slide Deck

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Beyond Books: Life Skills for Success!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of SEL. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'social-emotional skills'.

What Does SEL Mean?

SEL stands for Social-Emotional Learning.
It's how we:

  • Understand and manage our emotions
  • Set and achieve positive goals
  • Feel and show empathy for others
  • Build and maintain healthy relationships
  • Make responsible decisions

Explain that SEL is about understanding and managing emotions, setting goals, showing empathy, building positive relationships, and making responsible decisions.

The 5 Core SEL Competencies

1. Self-Awareness

  • Understanding your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.

2. Self-Management

  • Regulating emotions, setting goals, and working towards them.

3. Social Awareness

  • Understanding and empathizing with others' feelings and perspectives.

4. Relationship Skills

  • Communicating effectively, building healthy relationships, and resolving conflicts.

5. Responsible Decision-Making

  • Making thoughtful choices about behavior and social interactions.

Introduce the five core competencies of SEL: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. Give a quick example for each.

Why is SEL Important?

How do these skills help us...

  • At school?
  • With friends and family?
  • When facing challenges?
  • In our future jobs and lives?

Facilitate a short discussion about why these skills are important in school and in their personal lives. Connect it to everyday situations.

SEL in Action: Real-World Scenarios

Let's practice using our SEL skills!

We'll look at some situations and think about how we can use:

  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management
  • Social Awareness
  • Relationship Skills
  • Responsible Decision-Making


    (SEL Scenarios Worksheet)

Introduce the worksheet and explain that they will apply what they've learned to real-life scenarios. Emphasize that there are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, but thoughtful, empathetic responses.

Bringing it All Together

Remember, SEL skills are life skills!

They help us:

  • Handle tough emotions
  • Work well with others
  • Make smart choices
  • Be a good friend and student

Keep practicing your SEL skills every day!

Conclude the lesson by summarizing the main points and encouraging students to continue practicing their SEL skills. Remind them these are life-long skills.

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Worksheet

SEL in Action: Real-World Scenarios

Directions: Read each scenario below. In the space provided, describe how you would use your Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills to handle the situation. Think about the 5 core competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.

Scenario 1: The Group Project Glitch

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't doing their part. The deadline is approaching, and you're worried about your grade.

  • How would you use your SEL skills to address this situation?













Scenario 2: Social Media Stress

You see a post on social media that makes you feel left out and sad. You're tempted to post something angry in response.

  • How would you use your SEL skills to respond to this feeling and situation?













Scenario 3: A Friend's Dilemma

Your friend tells you they're struggling with a personal problem and asks you not to tell anyone. You're worried about them and think they might need more help than you can offer.

  • How would you use your SEL skills to support your friend and make a responsible decision?













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Answer Key

SEL Scenarios Answer Key

Note to Teacher: The answers provided here are examples. Encourage students to think critically and express their own reasoned responses. The goal is to see their application of SEL concepts.

Scenario 1: The Group Project Glitch

  • How would you use your SEL skills to address this situation?

Example Answer:

  • Self-Awareness: I would first acknowledge my frustration and anxiety about the project. (e.g.,
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Cool Down

SEL Cool Down: My Takeaway

Directions: Please answer the following questions honestly and thoughtfully.

  1. In your own words, what is one new thing you learned about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) today?




  1. Think about one of the 5 SEL competencies (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, or Responsible Decision-Making). Which one do you think is most important for you right now, and why?







  1. How do you think you can use an SEL skill in your life today or tomorrow?







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