SEL Warm-Up: How Are You Really?

Instructions: Take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling right now. Choose one word that best describes your current emotion and be prepared to share it, along with a brief reason why you chose that word.

Teacher Script for Your Emotional Compass

Warm-Up: How Are You Really? (5 minutes)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Let's start our day with a quick check-in. On your paper or in your mind, I want you to think of one word that describes how you are feeling right now. And be ready to share why you chose that word. No right or wrong answers, just your honest feeling.


(Pause for students to reflect. Call on a few students to share.)

Thank you for sharing. It takes courage to name our feelings. And understanding our emotions is actually the first step in something really important we're going to talk about today: Social-Emotional Learning."

Introduction to SEL (10 minutes)

"(Display Slide 1: Your Emotional Compass)

Today, we're going to explore what I like to call 'Your Emotional Compass.' Just like a compass helps you find your way, these skills help you navigate your feelings, your relationships, and the choices you make every single day. We'll be talking about Social-Emotional Learning, or SEL for short.

(Display Slide 2: What is SEL?)

So, what exactly is SEL? It's the process through which individuals acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

In simpler terms, SEL is about learning how to be a better human being – how to understand yourself, connect with others, and make smart choices. Why do you think these kinds of skills are important? How might they help you in school, with friends, or even at home?"

Exploring the 5 Core Competencies (20 minutes)

"Now, let's dive into the five main parts, or 'competencies,' of SEL. Think of these as the different points on your emotional compass. As we go through them, you'll be able to follow along and take notes on your SEL Competencies Worksheet.

(Display Slide 3: The 5 SEL Competencies: Self-Awareness)

First up: Self-Awareness. This is about understanding your own emotions, your thoughts, and your values. It's knowing what makes you tick – your strengths, your weaknesses, what makes you happy, or what makes you stressed. For example, if you know you get anxious before public speaking, that's self-awareness. You understand how you feel.

Can anyone think of a time when they were really aware of their own feelings or thoughts in a situation?"

(Display Slide 4: The 5 SEL Competencies: Self-Management)

"Next, we have Self-Management. Once you're aware of your feelings, how do you handle them? Self-management is about regulating your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It's about controlling impulses, managing stress, and motivating yourself to achieve goals. For instance, if you take a deep breath instead of yelling when you're frustrated, that's self-management.

What are some ways you try to manage your emotions or behaviors when things get tough?"

(Display Slide 5: The 5 SEL Competencies: Social Awareness)

"Moving on to Social Awareness. This is about understanding and empathizing with others. It's being able to take someone else's perspective, recognizing social cues, and understanding different social norms. If you notice a classmate looks upset and you offer support, that's social awareness in action.

Why do you think it's important to be aware of how others are feeling or what they might be thinking?"

(Display Slide 6: The 5 SEL Competencies: Relationship Skills)

"Then there are Relationship Skills. This is all about forming and maintaining healthy relationships. It involves communicating clearly, actively listening, collaborating with others, and resolving conflicts constructively. Working effectively with classmates on a school project to achieve a common goal is a great example of using relationship skills.

What are some things you do to build or maintain good relationships with your friends or family?"

(Display Slide 7: The 5 SEL Competencies: Responsible Decision-Making)

"Finally, we have Responsible Decision-Making. This competency brings all the others together. It's about making thoughtful and ethical choices by considering the well-being of yourself and others, evaluating potential consequences, and learning from your decisions. Deciding not to spread a rumor, even if others are, is a clear example of responsible decision-making.

What makes a decision 'responsible' in your opinion?"

"Now, take a few minutes to read the SEL Introduction Reading which further explains these 5 competencies. As you read, continue filling out your SEL Competencies Worksheet with definitions and examples in your own words."

Interactive Activity: Role-Play (15 minutes)

"Great work! You've learned about the five competencies. Now, let's see them in action. We're going to do a quick Role-Play Activity: SEL in Action.

I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a scenario that involves a challenge. Your task is to discuss and briefly role-play how you would respond to that challenge using one or more of the SEL skills we just discussed. Think about what you would say, what you would do, and which competency you're applying.

(Divide students into groups and distribute Role-Play Activity Cards. Give them about 10 minutes to prepare and practice.)

"Alright, let's have a few groups share their scenarios and how they used SEL skills to address them."

Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes)

"Excellent job, everyone! Those were some thoughtful responses. Let's bring it back together for a brief Discussion: SEL in Our Lives.

How did you feel using SEL skills in the role-play? Did it make the situation easier or clearer? Where else do you see these skills being used in your daily life? Why do you think it's important to keep practicing and developing these skills?"

Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway (5 minutes)

"To wrap up our lesson today, I want everyone to complete the Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway. On your paper, please write down one key thing you learned today about Social-Emotional Learning, or one thing that really stood out to you. This will serve as your exit ticket.

Thank you all for your engagement today. Remember, your emotional compass is always there to guide you!"

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social-Emotional Learning, or SEL, is about how we understand and manage ourselves, understand and interact with others, and make responsible decisions. It's a fundamental part of being human and something we use every single day, whether we realize it or not. Think about it: every time you work with a classmate, handle a disagreement, or decide what to do when you're feeling stressed, you're using SEL skills.

Why is SEL Important?

Learning and strengthening SEL skills helps us in many ways:

• Better Relationships: It helps us communicate more effectively, understand different perspectives, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Academic Success: When we can manage our emotions and focus, we learn better. It also helps with teamwork and participation in class.
• Personal Well-being: Understanding our emotions and knowing how to cope with stress leads to greater happiness and resilience.
• Responsible Choices: It equips us to think through situations, consider consequences, and make ethical choices that benefit ourselves and others.

The Five Core SEL Competencies

There are five key areas, or competencies, that make up SEL. They often work together, like different parts of a team, to help us navigate life.

1. Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to accurately recognize your own emotions, thoughts, and values, and understand how they influence your behavior. It means knowing what you're good at (your strengths) and what you need to work on (your weaknesses). It's also about identifying your feelings and understanding why you feel them.

• Example: You notice your heart starts to race and your hands get sweaty before a big presentation. This is you recognizing your anxiety.

2. Self-Management

Self-management is the ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. It involves controlling impulses, managing stress, motivating yourself, and working towards personal and academic goals. It's about taking action based on your self-awareness.

• Example: Instead of yelling when you're frustrated with a friend, you take a few deep breaths and calmly explain why you're upset.

3. Social Awareness

Social awareness is the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It involves recognizing social cues, understanding how others might be feeling, and showing compassion. It's stepping into someone else's shoes.

• Example: You see a new student sitting alone at lunch and remember how you felt on your first day, so you invite them to join your group.

4. Relationship Skills

Relationship skills are the abilities to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed.

• Example: When working on a group project, you actively listen to your teammates' ideas, share your own respectfully, and work together to find a solution that everyone agrees on.

5. Responsible Decision-Making

Responsible decision-making is the ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This involves considering ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences, and the well-being of self and others.

• Example: You're at a party where people are making a bad decision, and even though you feel pressure, you choose to leave because you know it's not safe or right.

Role-Play Activity: SEL in Action

Instructions: In your groups, read the scenario provided. Discuss how you would respond to the situation using the SEL competencies we've discussed. Then, briefly role-play your solution for the class, highlighting which SEL skills you are using.

Scenario 1: The Group Project Dilemma

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't contributing. They often seem distracted and haven't completed their assigned tasks, putting the whole group behind schedule. You feel frustrated and worried about your grade.

• How would you approach this situation using SEL skills?
• Which competencies are most relevant here?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: Social Media Pressure

Your friends want to post a picture online that you think might be inappropriate or could cause problems later. You feel pressure to agree because you don't want to be left out or seem "uncool" to them.

• How would you handle this situation, applying SEL skills?
• What are the potential consequences of your choice?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Dealing with Strong Emotions

You just received a low grade on a test that you studied really hard for. You feel angry and disappointed, and you want to lash out or give up.

• How can you manage these strong emotions using SEL?
• What steps can you take to move forward constructively?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: A Friend Needs Help

A close friend seems withdrawn and sad lately. They've been quiet in class and haven't been responding to your messages as much. You're worried about them but aren't sure how to help.

• How would you approach your friend using SEL skills?
• What would you say or do to show support?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Discussion: SEL in Our Lives

Instructions: Let's discuss as a class how these SEL skills apply to our daily lives.

1. How did you feel using SEL skills in the role-play scenarios? Did it make the situations easier or clearer to navigate?
   
   
   
   
   
2. Where else do you see these five SEL competencies (Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making) being used in your daily life? Think about school, home, sports, or online interactions.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Why do you think it's important for us to practice and develop these skills? How can they benefit you in the long run?
   
   
   
   
   
4. Which SEL competency do you feel is your strongest, and why? Which one do you think you could work on more?
   
   
   
   
   

SEL Competencies Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Instructions: As we discuss the five core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies, define each in your own words and provide an example of how you or someone you know might use that skill.

1. Self-Awareness

Definition:




Your Example:

2. Self-Management

Definition:




Your Example:

3. Social Awareness

Definition:




Your Example:

4. Relationship Skills

Definition:




Your Example:

5. Responsible Decision-Making

Definition:




Your Example:

SEL Introduction Quiz Answer Key

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the five core SEL competencies?

• Correct Answer: Self-Criticism
• Explanation: The five core SEL competencies are Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. Self-criticism is not considered a core competency within the SEL framework, though critical reflection can be part of self-awareness.

2. Define Self-Management in your own words and provide an example of how a student might use it.

• Expected Definition: Self-management is the ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively. It involves controlling impulses, managing stress, motivating oneself, and working towards goals.
• Example: A student who feels angry after a bad grade takes a few deep breaths and decides to ask the teacher for help instead of ripping up their paper. This shows managing emotions and seeking a constructive solution.

3. Recognizing when a friend is upset and offering support is an example of which SEL competency?

• Correct Answer: Social Awareness
• Explanation: Social Awareness is the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others. Recognizing a friend's emotions and responding compassionately falls under this competency.

4. Why is Responsible Decision-Making considered a culmination of other SEL skills?

• Explanation: Responsible Decision-Making requires integrating all the other SEL competencies. To make a responsible decision, one must be:
  • Self-Aware: Understand their own values and emotions involved.
  • Self-Management: Control impulses and stay focused on the best outcome.
  • Social Awareness: Consider the impact of the decision on others.
  • Relationship Skills: Communicate effectively if others are involved in the decision or affected by it.
    Therefore, it builds upon and utilizes the preceding four competencies.

5. What is the primary benefit of developing strong Relationship Skills?

• Correct Answer: Building healthy and rewarding connections
• Explanation: While the other options might be secondary outcomes or not align with positive SEL, the main purpose of relationship skills is to foster positive interactions, effective communication, and constructive collaboration with diverse individuals and groups.

SEL Charades: Act It Out!

Instructions:

1. Divide into two teams.
2. One student from a team will pick a card with an emotion or an SEL scenario (provided by the teacher).
3. Without speaking, they will act out the emotion or scenario for their team.
4. Their team has 60 seconds to guess the emotion or SEL competency being acted out.
5. If correctly guessed, the team earns a point. If not, the other team gets a chance to steal for half points.
6. Rotate players and teams. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Charades Cards (Teacher to prepare or write on board)

Emotions:

• Happy
• Sad
• Angry
• Frustrated
• Excited
• Confused
• Proud
• Scared
• Surprised
• Calm

SEL Scenarios/Competencies:

• Taking a deep breath before a test (Self-Management)
• Comforting a friend who is crying (Social Awareness/Relationship Skills)
• Deciding not to cheat on a test (Responsible Decision-Making)
• Realizing you are good at math (Self-Awareness)
• Actively listening to a classmate (Relationship Skills)
• Apologizing after an argument (Relationship Skills/Self-Management)
• Asking for help when stuck on homework (Relationship Skills/Self-Awareness)
• Working cooperatively on a group project (Relationship Skills)
• Understanding why someone might be feeling left out (Social Awareness)
• Setting a goal to improve your grades (Self-Management)

SEL Advocacy Project: Be an SEL Champion!

Objective: To demonstrate your understanding of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies by creating an advocacy project that promotes SEL within our school or local community.

Project Goal: To educate others about the importance of SEL and inspire them to develop their own social-emotional skills.

Deliverables:

Choose ONE of the following project options:

Option 1: Public Service Announcement (PSA)

• Create a short (1-2 minute) video, audio, or visual PSA that highlights one or more SEL competencies and explains why they are important for students.
• Must include a clear message and a call to action (e.g., "Practice self-awareness today!").
• Can be animated, live-action, stop-motion, or a compelling infographic video.

Option 2: Informational Poster/Infographic Campaign

• Design a series of 3-5 posters or a detailed infographic that explains SEL and its core competencies.
• Each poster/section should focus on a specific competency or a general benefit of SEL.
• Must be visually appealing, informative, and include examples relevant to high school students.

Option 3: Presentation/Workshop Proposal

• Develop a detailed proposal for a short (15-20 minute) presentation or workshop you could lead for a younger grade level (e.g., middle schoolers) or a school club about a specific SEL topic.
• The proposal should include:
  • Topic and learning objectives.
  • Outline of activities/discussion points.
  • Materials needed.
  • Explanation of why this topic is relevant to your audience.

Option 4: Digital Story or Blog Post

• Write a persuasive blog post (500-750 words) or create a digital story (2-3 minutes) about the personal impact of SEL.
• Share a personal reflection (anonymously if preferred) or a fictional narrative demonstrating how SEL skills helped navigate a challenging situation.
• Must connect clearly to at least two SEL competencies.

Project Requirements (All Options):

• Clarity: Clearly explain SEL concepts in a way that is easy for your target audience to understand.
• Relevance: Connect SEL to real-life situations and the experiences of high school students (or your chosen audience).
• Creativity: Show originality and thoughtfulness in your chosen format and content.
• Accuracy: Ensure all information about SEL competencies is correct.
• Call to Action: Encourage others to engage with or learn more about SEL.

Timeline:

• Day 1: Project Introduction, Brainstorming & Selection of Option
• Day 2-3: Research & Planning (Outlining, gathering resources)
• Day 4-6: Creation & Development (Designing, writing, filming/recording)
• Day 7: Final Polishing & Submission

Assessment:

Your project will be assessed using the SEL Advocacy Project Rubric. Please review it carefully as you work.

SEL Advocacy Project Rubric

Student Name: _________________________
Project Option: _________________________

Total Score: ________ / 24

Teacher Comments:

Cool-Down: One Big Takeaway

Instructions: On the lines below, write down one key thing you learned today about Social-Emotional Learning, or one idea that really stood out to you. This is your exit ticket for today!