Lesson Plan
SEL Superpowers Lesson Plan
In this 30-minute lesson, 5th graders will learn what Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is, identify their own SEL “superpowers” (e.g., self-awareness, empathy), and practice applying them through reflection and sharing.
Developing SEL skills helps students manage emotions, build empathy, make responsible decisions, and create a positive classroom community, supporting academic and personal success.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, reflection, and peer sharing.
Materials
SEL Superpowers Poster, SEL Superpowers Reflection Worksheet, SEL Emoji Cards, Chart Paper and Markers, and Pens or Pencils
Prep
Gather and Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of SEL Superpowers Reflection Worksheet per student
- Print or display the SEL Superpowers Poster at the front of the room
- Shuffle and prepare the SEL Emoji Cards for the warm-up
- Set up chart paper and markers in a visible classroom area
Step 1
Introduction to SEL
5 minutes
- Ask students if they have heard of SEL and invite definitions
- Display the SEL Superpowers Poster
- Briefly review each SEL domain (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making)
- Emphasize that these are their SEL “superpowers” to use every day
Step 2
Emoji Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Distribute one SEL Emoji Card to each student
- Ask students to look at their emoji and think of a time they felt that emotion
- Invite a few volunteers to share their emotion and situation
- Highlight that recognizing emotions is a key SEL skill
Step 3
Discovering Your SEL Superpowers
10 minutes
- Hand out the SEL Superpowers Reflection Worksheet
- Prompt students to choose one SEL domain they feel is a personal strength (“superpower”)
- Have them write a brief example of when they used that superpower in school or at home
- Circulate and support students as they reflect and write
Step 4
Share and Discuss
7 minutes
- Invite volunteers to share their chosen SEL superpower and example with the class
- Record shared superpowers and examples on the chart paper
- Facilitate a brief discussion on how these superpowers help in challenging situations
Step 5
Wrap-Up and Home Connection
3 minutes
- Summarize key takeaways: SEL helps us understand and manage emotions, show empathy, and make good choices
- Challenge students to use one SEL superpower before the end of the day
- Encourage them to share what they learned with a family member tonight
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Slide Deck
SEL Superpowers
• What is SEL?
• Why SEL matters in school and life
• Today: Identify your own SEL superpowers
Welcome the class and introduce today’s topic. Say: “Today we’re going to learn about Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, and discover the superpowers each of you already have!” Briefly explain that SEL skills help us understand feelings, get along with others, and make good decisions.
What is SEL?
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing your feelings
- Self-Management: Controlling impulses and emotions
- Social Awareness: Understanding others’ feelings
- Relationship Skills: Building healthy connections
- Responsible Decision-Making: Making good choices
Display the SEL Superpowers Poster. Say: “SEL has five main domains. Think of them as your superpowers for managing your feelings and relationships.” Explain each domain briefly.
Emoji Warm-Up
• Pick your emoji card
• Reflect on a time you felt that emotion
• Share your emotion and story with the class
Hand out one SEL Emoji Card per student. Say: “Look at your emoji. Think of a recent time you felt this way.” After a minute, invite 3–4 students to share their emotion and a quick story.
Discover Your Superpower
• Choose one SEL domain you excel at
• Write an example of when you used it
• Think about how it helped you in school or home
Distribute the SEL Superpowers Reflection Worksheet. Guide students: “Choose the SEL domain you feel strongest in—your superpower—and write a real example of when you used it.” Walk around to offer support.
Share and Discuss
• Volunteer to share your superpower and example
• See how classmates use similar strengths
• Discuss how these skills help us in tough times
Ask for volunteers to share their chosen superpower and example. As each student speaks, record the superpower and summary on chart paper. Prompt class discussion: “How did this superpower help in a challenging situation?”
Wrap-Up & Home Connection
• SEL helps us understand and manage feelings
• Practice empathy and make good choices
• Tonight: Use a superpower and share with family
Summarize the key points: SEL helps us manage emotions, show empathy, and make responsible choices. Challenge: “Use one SEL superpower before the end of the day and tell a family member about it tonight!”
Worksheet
SEL Superpowers Reflection Worksheet
Instructions
Read each question and write your answer in the space provided.
1. What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Write SEL in your own words.
2. Below are five SEL domains. Circle the one that you feel is your strongest superpower:
- Self-Awareness: Recognizing your own feelings
- Self-Management: Controlling impulses and emotions
- Social Awareness: Understanding others’ feelings
- Relationship Skills: Building healthy connections
- Responsible Decision-Making: Making thoughtful choices
3. Why do you think this SEL domain is your superpower?
4. Describe a specific time you used this superpower. Tell what happened and where you were.
5. How did using your superpower help you in that situation?
6. How might you use this superpower next time you face a challenge?
7. (Optional) Draw a picture showing you using your SEL superpower:
Activity
SEL Emoji Cards
Description: A set of emoji cards representing various emotions. Used during the warm-up activity to help students recognize and name feelings.
Cards (Emotions):
- 😊 Happy
- 😢 Sad
- 😠 Angry
- 😲 Surprised
- 😨 Scared
- 😃 Excited
- 😕 Confused
- 😌 Calm
Instructions:
- Shuffle the emoji cards and distribute one to each student.
- Ask students to look at their emoji and think of a recent time they felt that emotion.
- Invite a few volunteers to share the emotion they got and describe the situation in which they experienced it.
These cards support recognition and discussion of emotions, a foundational SEL skill.
Reading
SEL Superpowers Poster
What Is SEL?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps us:
- Recognize and understand our own feelings
- Manage our emotions and impulses
- Show empathy for others
- Build healthy relationships
- Make responsible decisions
Your Five SEL Superpowers
1. Self-Awareness 🧠
• Notice and name your feelings
• Understand what makes you happy, sad, excited, or frustrated
• Tip: Take a deep breath and check in with yourself when emotions arise
2. Self-Management 💪
• Control your impulses and handle strong emotions
• Practice calming strategies (counting, deep breaths, positive self-talk)
• Tip: Set small goals for yourself and reward your progress
3. Social Awareness 🌍
• Recognize how others might be feeling
• Respect differences and show kindness
• Tip: Listen carefully and look for non-verbal cues (facial expressions, body language)
4. Relationship Skills 🤝
• Communicate clearly and respectfully
• Cooperate, share, and resolve conflicts peacefully
• Tip: Use “I” statements (“I feel…”) when talking about problems
5. Responsible Decision-Making ✅
• Think through problems and consider consequences
• Make choices that are safe, respectful, and fair
• Tip: Ask yourself, “How will this choice help me and others?”
Use these SEL superpowers every day—at school, at home, and with friends—to build a stronger, kinder classroom community!
Warm Up
Emoji Emotion Warm-Up
Time: 5 minutes
Purpose: Engage students in recognizing and naming emotions before diving into SEL content.
Instructions:
- Display the SEL Emoji Cards or project a slide of emojis.
- Ask each student to silently choose one emoji that matches how they feel right now.
- Turn to a partner and share why you picked that emoji.
- Invite 3–4 volunteers to share their emoji and reasons with the whole class.
This warm-up helps students tune into their emotions and prepares them for today’s SEL lesson.
Cool Down
SEL Superpowers Exit Ticket
Directions
Please answer the following questions before you leave. Be honest and thoughtful!
1. One new thing I learned about SEL today was:
2. My personal SEL superpower is _____________ because:
3. One way I will use this superpower tomorrow is:
4. (Optional) How do you feel after today’s lesson? Draw or write below: