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What’s Your SEL Superpower?

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jinqian shao

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Superpower Mapping Lesson Plan

Students will identify and map their unique SEL superpowers—aligned to CASEL’s five competencies—through group sorting, discussion, and personal reflection, then set a targeted goal for growth.

Understanding their SEL strengths empowers students to build self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making, fostering a positive classroom climate and equipping learners to navigate emotions and relationships effectively.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Combines group sorting, discussion prompts, and personal journaling with a fun superpower theme.

Materials

  • Discover Your SEL Powers Slides, - Strengths Sorting Challenge, - My SEL Superpower Reflection, and - Power Pledge Exit Ticket

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Discover Your SEL Powers Slides
  • Print copies of the Strengths Sorting Challenge, My SEL Superpower Reflection, and Power Pledge Exit Ticket
  • Arrange desks into small groups of four to facilitate discussion

Step 1

Introduction & Brainstorm

5 minutes

  • Display slide 1 from the Discover Your SEL Powers Slides to introduce CASEL’s five competencies
  • Explain the “superpower” metaphor: each competency is like a special power we all develop
  • Ask students to call out qualities they think are superpowers (e.g., empathy, self-control)

Step 2

Superpower Mapping Activity

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Strengths Sorting Challenge handout to each group
  • In groups of four, have students sort competency statements into “My Superpowers” and “Growth Zones” columns
  • Encourage discussion: Why did you place each statement where you did? Provide examples

Step 3

Group Share & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Invite one spokesperson per group to share their top two “My Superpowers” picks
  • Use slide 2 to display each competency and connect student examples to CASEL definitions
  • Highlight how diverse superpowers help the class work together effectively

Step 4

Individual Reflection

10 minutes

  • Ask students to complete the My SEL Superpower Reflection
  • Prompt: Describe your top SEL superpower, give a real-life example, and set one growth goal for another competency
  • Circulate and support as needed

Step 5

Power Pledge Exit Ticket

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Power Pledge Exit Ticket
  • Students write a one-sentence pledge describing how they’ll use or grow their SEL superpower this week
  • Collect exit tickets as students leave to inform future SEL supports
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Slide Deck

What’s Your SEL Superpower?

Explore CASEL’s five social-emotional learning superpowers to unlock your unique strengths and set growth goals!

Welcome the class and introduce the session. Mention that today we’re discovering our “SEL superpowers” using a fun superhero theme. Highlight the bright, energetic palette (#FFB3C6, #FF99B0, #FF8099) to set a positive tone.

CASEL’s Five SEL Superpowers

• Self-Awareness: Recognizing my emotions and strengths
• Self-Management: Controlling impulses and staying focused
• Social Awareness: Understanding others’ feelings and perspectives
• Relationship Skills: Communicating and cooperating effectively
• Responsible Decision-Making: Making choices that are fair and safe

Introduce each competency with a quick story or real-life example. Encourage students to listen for which superpower resonates most with them.

Superpower Mapping Activity

  1. In groups of four, get the Strengths Sorting Challenge.
  2. Sort each statement card into “My Superpowers” or “Growth Zones.”
  3. Discuss: Why did you choose each column? Share examples.

Explain the group sorting rules: each group gets 12 statement cards. They decide if a statement is a ‘My Superpower’ or a ‘Growth Zone.’ Circulate and support understanding of each competency.

Individual Reflection

• Grab your My SEL Superpower Reflection.
• Write: 1) My top SEL superpower is ___. 2) A real-life example when I used it. 3) One SEL growth goal for the week.

After group share, transition to independent reflection. Guide students to think deeply about their top superpower and a growth goal. Offer sentence starters if needed.

Power Pledge Exit Ticket

• Complete the Power Pledge Exit Ticket:
“This week I will use my SEL superpower of ___ by ___.”
• Turn it in as you leave.

Remind students to be specific in their pledges. Let them know you’ll collect these and use them to plan future supports in class.

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Activity

Strengths Sorting Challenge

Instructions:
In your group of four, you’ll sort these 12 statements—each describing an SEL skill—into two columns: My Superpowers (skills you’re strong at) and Growth Zones (skills you’d like to improve).

  1. I can describe how I feel when I’m happy, sad, or angry.
  2. I can set a goal and stick to it even when it’s hard.
  3. I notice when someone is left out and try to include them.
  4. I listen to my classmates and respond kindly.
  5. I think about the consequences before making a choice.
  6. I recognize my strengths and celebrate them.
  7. I calm myself down when I feel upset.
  8. I understand when my friend is feeling worried.
  9. I work with my partner to solve a problem.
  10. I choose to tell the truth even if it’s difficult.
  11. I can focus on my work when there are distractions.
  12. I help others feel safe and respected in our group.
My SuperpowersGrowth Zones

Cut out or circle each statement above and place it in the column that fits your group’s strengths and growth areas. Be ready to explain your choices!

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Journal

My SEL Superpower Reflection

Take your time to think deeply and write in complete sentences. Use specific details and examples.

1. My top SEL superpower is:





2. A real-life example when I used this superpower:










3. One SEL growth goal I will work on this week is:





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Cool Down

Power Pledge Exit Ticket

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

My Power Pledge:

“This week I will use my SEL superpower of _______________ by ____________________________________________________________________.”





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