Lesson Plan
SEL Showdown Quiz Lesson Plan
Engage 8th graders in a fun, competitive quiz that reviews and reinforces key SEL concepts from the year while promoting reflection and teamwork.
By revisiting emotional awareness, relationship skills, and decision-making in a game format, students solidify their understanding, boost retention, and build group cohesion as they prepare for high school.
Audience
8th Grade Middle School Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive team trivia with debrief and reflection
Materials
SEL Showdown Quiz Slide Deck, Quiz Question Cards, Team Response Boards, Timer or Stopwatch, Reflection Journals, and Pens or Pencils
Prep
Prepare Quiz Materials
10 minutes
- Review SEL Showdown Quiz Slide Deck and Quiz Question Cards.
- Print or assemble physical Quiz Question Cards and distribute Team Response Boards.
- Arrange desks into teams of 3–4.
- Ensure timer or stopwatch is ready and journals are available.
Step 1
Introduction and Rules
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain the purpose of the SEL Showdown Quiz.
- Go over rules: teams earn points, one-minute discussion per question, record answers on Team Response Boards.
- Assign teams or confirm existing groups.
Step 2
Quiz Rounds
30 minutes
- Conduct three themed rounds: Emotional Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making.
- For each question:
- Read aloud from Quiz Question Cards.
- Start timer: teams discuss and write answers on Team Response Boards.
- After time’s up, teams reveal answers; award points and track on board.
- Keep energy high with brief celebratory feedback.
Step 3
Debrief and Reflection
8 minutes
- Review select questions and clarify key takeaways for each SEL concept.
- Encourage students to connect concepts to personal experiences.
- Have students write one insight or action step in their Reflection Journals.
Step 4
Closing and Awarding Points
2 minutes
- Tally final scores and announce the winning team.
- Praise all participants for teamwork and growth.
- Remind students to continue practicing SEL skills as they transition to high school.
Slide Deck
SEL Showdown Quiz
End-of-year review of key SEL concepts
Get ready to compete!
Welcome everyone to our SEL Showdown Quiz! Explain that today we will review key social-emotional learning concepts from the year in a fun, competitive game. Encourage enthusiasm.
Objectives
- Review emotional awareness
- Strengthen relationship skills
- Practice responsible decision-making
Review the objectives. Remind students why reflecting on SEL skills is important before high school.
Quiz Structure
Three themed rounds:
Round 1: Emotional Awareness
Round 2: Relationship Skills
Round 3: Responsible Decision-Making
Teams discuss for 1 minute per question.
Explain how the quiz is organized into three rounds and how time and points will be managed.
Rules & Teams
- Form teams of 3–4 students
- One-minute discussion per question
- Write answers on your team response boards
- Each correct answer = 1 point
Go over the rules. Confirm teams of 3-4 and explain how to record answers.
Scoring
- 1 point for each correct answer
- Tiebreaker: explain your reasoning for a bonus point
- Keep track on the main board
Explain scoring. Keep it simple and clear.
Round 1: Emotional Awareness
Recall how emotions influence thoughts and actions.
Get ready for your first question!
Introduce Round 1. Highlight importance of recognizing and naming emotions.
Question 1
Which emotion is described as feeling “at home” in your body and mind? Provide an example of when you felt this emotion.
Read Question 1, start the timer, then ask teams to reveal their answers.
Question 2
Name two strategies you can use to identify your emotions when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Read Question 2, start the timer, then collect answers.
Question 3
Why is it important to label your emotions accurately? Give one benefit.
Read Question 3, start the timer, then collect answers.
Round 2: Relationship Skills
Use active listening and empathy to build strong relationships.
Prepare for the next question!
Introduce Round 2. Focus on communication and empathy.
Question 4
What are the four components of active listening?
Read Question 4, start the timer, then collect answers.
Question 5
How can you show empathy when a friend is upset? Provide a specific example.
Read Question 5, start the timer, then collect answers.
Question 6
List two ways you can resolve a misunderstanding with a peer.
Read Question 6, start the timer, then collect answers.
Round 3: Responsible Decision-Making
Think about how you evaluate choices and foresee consequences.
Let’s dive in!
Introduce Round 3. Emphasize decision-making steps.
Question 7
When faced with peer pressure, what steps can you take to make a responsible choice?
Read Question 7, start the timer, then collect answers.
Question 8
Describe a time when you weighed pros and cons before making a decision. What did you learn?
Read Question 8, start the timer, then collect answers.
Question 9
What questions can you ask yourself to predict possible consequences of your actions?
Read Question 9, start the timer, then collect answers.
Debrief
Review key takeaways from each round:
- Emotional Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision-Making
Lead a brief debrief. Ask volunteers to share answers and highlight key concepts.
Reflection
Write one insight or action step you will take to practice SEL skills this summer.
Prompt students to reflect quietly in their journals.
Closing & Awards
- Announce winning team
- Celebrate teamwork and growth
- Remember to use these skills in high school
Tally points, announce winners, praise effort, and remind students to keep practicing SEL skills.
Worksheet
SEL Quiz Question Cards Worksheet
Use these cards to conduct the SEL Showdown Quiz. Print and cut along the lines to create individual question cards for each round.
Round 1: Emotional Awareness
Card 1
Question 1: Which emotion is described as feeling “at home” in your body and mind? Provide an example of when you felt this emotion.
Card 2
Question 2: Name two strategies you can use to identify your emotions when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Card 3
Question 3: Why is it important to label your emotions accurately? Give one benefit.
Round 2: Relationship Skills
Card 4
Question 4: What are the four components of active listening?
Card 5
Question 5: How can you show empathy when a friend is upset? Provide a specific example.
Card 6
Question 6: List two ways you can resolve a misunderstanding with a peer.
Round 3: Responsible Decision-Making
Card 7
Question 7: When faced with peer pressure, what steps can you take to make a responsible choice?
Card 8
Question 8: Describe a time when you weighed pros and cons before making a decision. What did you learn?
Card 9
Question 9: What questions can you ask yourself to predict possible consequences of your actions?
Note: Print double-sided if you’d like to include a card back design. Then, cut along the lines to hand out to teams during the quiz.
Activity
Team Response Board
Team Name: ___________________________
Round 1: Emotional Awareness (1 point each)
-
Q1: ____________________________________
-
Q2: ____________________________________
-
Q3: ____________________________________
Round 2: Relationship Skills (1 point each)
-
Q4: ____________________________________
-
Q5: ____________________________________
-
Q6: ____________________________________
Round 3: Responsible Decision-Making (1 point each)
-
Q7: ____________________________________
-
Q8: ____________________________________
-
Q9: ____________________________________
Points This Round: ________
Total Points: ________
Bonus (Tiebreaker) Explanation:
Journal
SEL Showdown Reflection Journal
Use this journal to deepen your understanding of today’s end‐of‐year SEL Showdown Quiz. Answer each prompt thoughtfully and honestly.
1. Emotional Awareness Reflection
Looking back at Round 1, which emotion or self‐awareness strategy resonated most with you? Why? Describe a moment this year when you experienced or could have applied this insight.
2. Relationship Skills Assessment
In Round 2, you explored active listening and empathy. Which component do you consider your strongest skill? Which one would you like to improve? Describe concrete steps you will take to practice and strengthen that skill.
3. Responsible Decision‐Making Analysis
Think of a real decision you made this past semester (school, friendship, family). Outline the steps you used—or wish you had used—to evaluate your options and predict consequences. What might you do differently next time?
4. Summer SEL Goal Setting
Set one specific SEL goal to work on over the summer (emotional awareness, relationship skills, or decision‐making). What actions will you take? When will you check your progress?
5. Free Response – Looking Ahead
Share any additional insights, questions, or reflections about your SEL growth this year. How will you carry these skills with you as you start high school?